Abstract: For sewing up a surgical opening (32), an instrument (10) is provided to be introduced thereinto. Needle holders (19), having needles (25) attached thereon, are laterally extended out of the instrument (10). By raising the instrument (10), the needles (25) are pierced through the cutaneous tissue (33) from the inside to the outside while the thread (30) passing through the needles (25) forms a loop within the patient's body. A needle catcher (26) is used for withdrawing the needles (25) out of the patient's body, the needles (25) being released from the needle holders (19). Finally, the thread loop can be tied into a knot above the surgical opening (32) outside the patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing cutting or gripping movements comprises a tube body (2) connected at its rear end with an end portion (1). The end portion is provided with a handle (4) including an actuating lever (5). At the front end of the tube body (2), are pivotable relative to each other and form a forceps. A transmission device extends from the end portion (1) to the forceps legs (9, 10) for spreading the same apart or for pressing them together. The handle (4) rotatable at the end portion (2) about an axis extending perpendicular to the axis of the tube body. Upon turning the handle (4), the transmission device (22, 23) pivots the forceps legs (9, 10) commonly and in the same direction. Thus, it is possible to perform operations lateral of a puncture channel through which the tube body (2) extends.