Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for endoscopic surgical instrument. The invention is characterized by a single control element whose orientation enables the distal part of the instrument to be articulated at any angle, and whose rotation (about its own axis) enables the orientation of this distal part about its lengthwise axis to be controlled. The position of this single control element, in front of the handle, is ergonomic and reflects the simple rotation controls existing in the rigid, straight-line instruments available on the market and habitually used by surgeons. In general, the endoscopic surgical instrument comprises a gripping and control handle, an elongated tubular part, a ball joint, a terminal or distal part, and a tool carried by the end of distal part.