A rod insertion device (1, 1) for inserting a spinal stabilization rod (95) into at least two bone anchors (901, 901) comprises: a first tubular rod guide (6) configured to guide the spinal stabilization rod (95) therethrough, and a holding device (3, 3) configured to hold the rod guide, an adapter (2) configured to be connected to an extension (9), which is configured to be mounted to a receiving part (90) of the bone anchor (901), and configured to movably support the holding devicewherein, when the adapter is connected to said extension, the holding device is arranged to move and pivot the rod guide to allow a front portion (64) of the rod guide to be positioned proximal to a rod channel of the receiving part wherein the holding device includes a clamping portion (5, 5) arranged to clamp a portion (61) of the rod guide, and to allow releasing the portion of the rod guide at least in a state wherein the front portion of the rod guide is positioned proximal to the rod channel of a first receiving part of a first bone anchor, wherein an orientation of the rod guide in the released state may be polyaxially corrected in respect of a second receiving part (90) of a second bone anchor (901).
