A cannula has a flange and a body with slots extending through the entire flange and into the body. The cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending its entire length. An obturator used with the cannula may also have a longitudinal slot extending along its length. A surgical method using these instruments includes separating lengths of suture and managing the suture by placing lengths of suture in the slots in the cannula. The cannula and obturator may be used after suture is already in place by placing the suture in the longitudinal slots and then introducing the cannula and obturator to the tissue defect site. The cannula may also be used to deliver a therapeutic implant to the tissue defect site. The instruments and method may be used in mensical surgery.