A surgical system combines a cannula and an instrument in a manner that allows small gauge instruments to be used effectively, with little or no bending with respect to the manipulating proximal side of the instrument. Such design overcomes the shortcomings of prior art, and applies to various microsurgical procedures, including ophthalmology, allowing the use of smaller endo-photocoagulation probes, illumination probes, combination probes, vitrectors, scissors, manipulators, picks, diathermy, and others. By using smaller gauge, patient recovery is expected to be faster.