A support and guide device for an endoscopic instrument includes a first guide device extending substantially in a plane and bordering a surface, a first carriage that can travel along the first guide device, a second guide device connected to the first carriage and extending in a plane perpendicular thereto, a second carriage that can travel along the second guide device, a holder for the endoscopic instrument which is connected to the carriage and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the carriage and moveable in the axial direction, and drive units for the first and the second carriages and for the holder for the endoscopic instrument. A control system is associated with the drive units.