A surgical instrument, comprising a first arm and a second arm pivoted to form substantially a first-class lever, is described. The surgical instrument is configured to assume an open configuration, a closed configuration and a retaining clamped configuration for retaining a needle. The first arm comprises a first handle grip and a first plate at a distal end thereof, the first plate having an outer dissecting surface and an inner retaining surface. The second arm comprises a second handle grip and a second plate at a distal end thereof, the second plate having an outer dissecting surface and an inner retaining surface. The inner retaining surfaces are knurled so as to retain a needle in the retaining configuration. The plates have a form tapered towards the distal end and a rounded outer surface. The instrument also comprises a guide channel for guiding a surgical needle towards the distal end of at least one arm.
