Abstract: A surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing portion and an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, the endoscopic portion including a pair of coaxial members attached at the proximal end to the housing portion. The endoscopic portion also includes an inner rod member slidable within an outer tube member. The endoscopic portion terminates at the distal end in a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position. A jaw control mechanism is associated with the housing portion, and includes at least one actuating member movably mounted in the housing portion. The actuation member has at least one gripping portion thereon such that an operator of the instrument can better manipulate the actuating member with a single hand. A linking member is pivotally connected to the actuating member and the inner rod member.