A specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly (290) fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support (230), a drawstring thread (250) forming a running noose disposed circumferentially round the end of the pouch (260), an endoscopic tubular portion (180), and a pusher rod (190) having an aperture (194) for permitting the passage therethrough of a single thread. When the drawstring thread (250) is pulled, the knot (251) is stopped at the aperture (194) and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth (262) of the pouch (260). The pouch assembly (290) is detachable from the apparatus.
