In an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, with an operating handle, a rectilinear first shaft section connected to the operating handle, a flexible second shaft section arranged at the distal end of the first shaft section and having an end part located at the distal tip of the second shaft section, wherein the second shaft section can be moved from a rectilinear extension position to a curved position in a predetermined plane of curvature with the aid of a tensioning means engaging on the end part, provision is made for a flexible connecting means to extend between the first shaft section and the end part, and the flexible connecting means has a restoring function with which the flexible second shaft section can be restored automatically to a rectilinear or predetermined extension position.