An endoscopic surgical instrument for removing tissue or bone, the instrument comprising (1) a generally tubular component (2) a cutting device which is housed in the distal end member and part of which protrudes beyond the window in the distal member, and (3) a means for operating the cutting device. The tubular component comprises a distal end member containing a cutting device, a proximal member, and between the distal member and the proximal member a hollow, generally tubular intermediate member which deforms elastically when the angle between the distal member family proximal member is changed. The intermediate member can for example be composed of a nickel titanium alloy, and/or can be slotted, and/or can be in the form of an accordion, and/or be in the form of a coil
