The invention relates to a surgical instrument, in particular for the use in minimally invasive surgery. The instrument comprises a distal part, wherein the distal part comprises an elongated shaft, at least one working element and an actuation rod. The at least one working element is movably mounted on a distal end of the shaft and a first end of the actuation rod is connected to the at least one working element. The instrument further comprises a proximal part, wherein the proximal part is releasably connected to the distal part and the proximal part comprises an actuator device releasably connected to a second end of the actuation rod. Both connections are releasable to thereby allow separate sterilization of the proximal part and the distal part. The actuator device is configured to move the at least one working element with respect to the shaft by movement of the actuation rod. A sensor is arranged in the actuator device, wherein the sensor is configured to measure force and/or strain exerted on the actuator device and to thereby transmit a signal that is representative for the force exerted on the at least one working element.
