A dual-instrument resectoscope which includes an outer sheath having a distal
portion
that is inserted into a body cavity, a proximal portion that remains outside the
body, and a longitudinal axis, referenced X; an optical system, for viewing the
body cavity from said proximal portion, said optical system including an optical
tube, located within said outer sheath and extending throughout the length of said
outer sheath, an eye piece and a light source at said proximal portion, in communication
with said optical tube, and an endoscope at said distal portion, in communication
with said optical tube; first and second surgical instruments, located at said
distal portion, for performing surgery in the body cavity; a first transmission
mechanism, in communication with said first surgical instrument, and a second transmission
mechanism, in communication with said second surgical instrument, each of said
first and second transmission mechanisms providing its respective surgical instrument
with independent motion, said transmission mechanisms being located at said proximal
portion; a first instrument guide, for providing communication between said first
transmission mechanism and said first surgical instrument, and a second instrument
guide, for providing communication between said second transmission mechanism and
said second surgical instrument, said first and second instrument guides being
located within an instrument tube located within said outer sheath and extending
from said proximal portion to said distal portion; a single actuator, located at
said proximal portion, for actuating motions with any of said first transmission
mechanism and said second transmission mechanism; and an instrument-selecting component
for selectably engaging said single actuator with any of said first and second
transmission mechanisms, for providing any one of said first and second surgical
instruments with independent motion.