The present application relates to minimally invasive instruments including laparoscopic instruments. The instrument can comprise a handle including an upper grasping section and a lower grasping section, the upper and lower grasping sections joined at a joint, wherein the upper grasping section and the lower grasping section each include an opening shaped and sized to receive at least one digit of a user, and wherein the lower grasping section is sized to receive two or more digits of a user. It can also comprise an elongated shaft extending from the handle, wherein the elongated shaft and handle are joined at an oblique angle. In addition, proximally directed extensions of a rotatable control allow a user with smaller hands to reach the control using the same hand that grasps the handle. Furthermore, a specially designed connection for cautery or other instruments is provided that can allow more flexibility in controlling the position of connecting wires, thereby facilitating operation. The electrocautery connection can comprise a solid ring portion for rotatably engaging a laparoscopic instrument and a conductive connection extending from the ring portion.
