Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with an operating device disposed at the distal end. A cable assembly is carried by the shaft and extends proximally to a terminus. A handle assembly coupled to the cable assembly concludes a first handle and a second handle. The first handle includes portions configured to receive the terminus and the proximal end of the shaft while portions of the second handle are configured to receive the terminus of the cable assembly. The proximal end of the shaft and the terminus are simultaneously rotatable to cover the proximal end of the shaft to the portions of the first handle and to couple the terminus to the portions of the second handle. The handle assembly can be made sterilizable with a minimum of non-bearing surfaces, while the shaft assembly can be made disposable and interchangeable with various operating devices. An associated method includes the step of releasably locking the shaft assembly to the handle assembly.