Disclosed is a surgical instrument with an elongate body with a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument has a pitch capstan having an axis transversely to the longitudinal axis at one end of the elongate body. At least two pairs of cables extend along the elongate body, along the pitch axis to a respective work member to which they are attached. The cables are guided in sliding contact along a slide bearing situated at or near the pitch axis. Also disclosed is a handle for a medical instrument having a hinging connection with the elongate body situated near an inside hand region of the user.
