The tip can only bend up to 90 degrees, and in only one direction. At least three fingers duplicating the motion of the first three fingers of the human hand. The maximum force should be similar with the maximum force of the human fingers. There should be sensing of pressure. It is desirable, but not required, to have sensing of texture.
External power is the available electric outlets.
The instrument must be sterilizable before the operation. Laparoscopic surgery is performed through small holes with video cameras for observation and long surgical instruments. A telscopic hand is needed so that the surgeon will operate his fingers and their motion will be duplicated inside the body by the arm. Since the late 1980s, such minimally invasive surgery has gained widespread acceptance due to reduced trauma, reduced recovery time and lower cost for the patient. Though it has some degree of articulation, there's really very little dexterity.