An illumination system includes a surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for optics of the tool. The illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.