Abstract: In a suturing and ligating method, a suture strand is wound around a gripper a predetermined number of times by turning a proximal end portion of a curved needle with a rolling mechanism. The gripper then grips the portion of the suture strand, which has not been inserted into the tissue. The gripper is then withdrawn through loops of the suture strand, which are wound around the gripper. The distal-end working unit and the gripper are then moved relatively to each other in order to form a knot across the incision.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a distal-end working unit having a rolling mechanism and an opening and closing mechanism. A forceps includes a gripper on a distal end thereof. A curved needle of a suture-needle assembly is inserted through an incision in a body cavity within a living body, while leaving a portion of a suture strand of the suture-needle assembly uninserted in the tissue. The gripper grips the curved needle. The suture strand is wound around the gripper a predetermined number of times by turning a proximal end portion of the curved needle with the rolling mechanism. The gripper grips the portion of the suture strand, which has not been inserted into the tissue. The gripper is then withdrawn through loops of the suture strand, which are wound around the gripper. The distal-end working unit and the gripper are moved relatively to each other in order to form a knot across the incision.