The invention relates to a surgical instrument (1) with an elongate body (2) with a longitudinal axis (3) having a distal end (4) and a proximal end (11). The instrument has a pitch capstan (22,34) having an axis (17,20) transversely to the longitudinal axis (3) at one end of the elongate body. At least two pairs of cables (27,28；29,30) extend along the elongate body (2), along the pitch axis (17,20) to a respective work member (5,6；14,15) to which they are attached. The invention is characterized in that, the cables (27,28；29,30) are guided in sliding contact along a slide bearing (22,34,42,43) situated at or near the pitch axis (17,20). The invention also relates to a handle (10) for a medical instrument having a hinging connection (18, 31,32,34,35) with the elongate body situated near an inside hand region of the user.
