A surgical mechanism control system including an acceleration or orientation detection unit to output a control signal in response to detecting an acceleration or orientation of the unit, the unit being attachable to a surgeon. The unit includes an acceleration sensor and the acceleration sensor has an associated threshold acceleration, such that an acceleration below the associated threshold acceleration does not cause actuation of an associated switch unit and an acceleration above the associated threshold acceleration does cause the associated switch unit to actuate. A control signal is output on actuation of the switch unit and foot pedal, and the control signal is used to control a surgical mechanism.