Abstract: An instrument is provided for use by a surgeon to separate the nasal septum from the sphenoid sinus wall of a patient, in a procedure which may be performed very rapidly and with significantly reduced trauma to the septum. The instrument may be very usefully employed in connection with endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery, although it is not limited thereto. The instrument comprises an elongated support member having first and second ends in opposing relationship, and further comprises pivotable and fixed jaw members respectively joined to the first end of the support member. Each of the jaw members has a length dimension measured from the support member, wherein the length of the pivotable jaw member exceeds the length of the fixed jaw member by a specified amount. A handle component joined to the second end of the support member is movable between first and second handle positions, to move the pivotable member in corresponding relationship between closed and open positions.