The present invention discloses an assembly method for a microsurgical instrument, which has a proximal handle mechanically connected to a hollow shaft. The shaft is coupled releasably to a tool head via a bayonet connection. The handle has at least one actuation device, which is operatively coupled to an actuation rod that is guided in the shaft. The bayonet connection has two bayonet elements with respective longitudinal slits which are aligned in a locked state of the bayonet connection, wherein at least one longitudinally movable cam is guided axially in the longitudinal slits. The actuation rod is inserted with its proximal end portion into the handle and has a flattened part, which is engaged by a clamping block arranged on the handle in a fixed position with respect to the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a pivotable retractor is disclosed.