Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is manually manipulatable by a surgical operator. In one embodiment, the instrument provides an alignment between a hand-held grip and a housing whereby an acute angle is formed at the point of intersection of the axis of the housing and the axis of the grip. In another embodiment, the instrument provides a hand-held grip which includes a pivot portion through which the thumb of the operator is received and which may be pivoted laterally in relation to the housing. In another embodiment, the instrument provides up to complete axial rotation of the housing relative to an instrument body housed therein to permit ease of orientation of the housing and/or body during surgery.

Abstract: A surgical instruments handle, instrument head and forceps assembly for use in, preferably, endoscopic surgery through an endoscopic trocar are disclosed. The handle is contoured so as to provide a receptacle for a plurality of human fingers and a trigger-like extension for another finger as the thumb of the operator is snugly received within a ring of an instrument operator carried by the handle housing. The instrument handle extends to a tubular body of a forceps having first and second cutting members. The handle and forceps assembly may be introduced through an endoscopic locking trocar having a sleeve, having a diameter which is selectively expandable when the trocar is inserted through the abdominal wall into an abdominal cavity, during endoscopic surgery.