Surgical instrument, particularly for laparoscopy

The instrument has a stem (1) with a working portion at its distal end and an operating handle (6) at its proximal end, together with an actuating component (5). The handle forms an oblong grip which is slightly convexly curved to fit in the palm of the hand. The actuating component is situated at the handle end where this is joined to the stem. The handle can be at right angles to the stem, or form an extension of it, and it can be arranged to turn between these two positions. The handle can be locked in position on the stem. The actuating component can have a working surface which is at least partly cylindrical, and can rotate on the instrument