An endoscopic device adapted for use with a single hand, the endoscopic device comprising: a flexible shaft; an end effector operatively associated with a distal end of the flexible shaft; and a handle with a distal end operatively associated with the proximal end of the flexible member, the handle comprising: a housing adapted for gripping in the palm of a user's hand; and an actuator for actuating the end effector; wherein the actuator comprises an actuator lever pivotably supported adjacent the end of the housing associated with the flexible shaft, the actuator lever operaable by one or more fingers of the hand in which the housing is gripped without the use of either of the thumb and index finger of the same hand, wherein when the actuator lever is depressed a ratchet mechanism is engaged to actuate the end effector, disengagement of the ratchet mechanism is achieved by operation of a release, the release being positioned at the proximal end of the handle that is accessible by the thumb, and the flexible shaft can be positioned so that it is in the form of a loop behind the hand in which the housing is gripped and can be gripped and advanced using the thumb and index finger of the hand in which the housing is gripped. a flexible shaft; an end effector operatively associated with a distal end of the flexible shaft; and a handle with a distal end operatively associated with the proximal end of the flexible member, the handle comprising: a housing adapted for gripping in the palm of a user's hand; and an actuator for actuating the end effector; wherein the actuator comprises an actuator lever pivotably supported adjacent the end of the housing associated with the flexible shaft, the actuator lever operaable by one or more fingers of the hand in which the housing is gripped without the use of either of the thumb and index finger of the same hand, wherein when the actuator lever is depressed a ratchet mechanism is engaged to actuate the end effector, disengagement of the ratchet mechanism is achieved by operation of a release, the release being positioned at the proximal end of the handle that is accessible by the thumb, and the flexible shaft can be positioned so that it is in the form of a loop behind the hand in which the housing is gripped and can be gripped and advanced using the thumb and index finger of the hand in which the housing is gripped. a housing adapted for gripping in the palm of a user's hand; and an actuator for actuating the end effector; wherein the actuator comprises an actuator lever pivotably supported adjacent the end of the housing associated with the flexible shaft, the actuator lever operaable by one or more fingers of the hand in which the housing is gripped without the use of either of the thumb and index finger of the same hand, wherein when the actuator lever is depressed a ratchet mechanism is engaged to actuate the end effector, disengagement of the ratchet mechanism is achieved by operation of a release, the release being positioned at the proximal end of the handle that is accessible by the thumb, and the flexible shaft can be positioned so that it is in the form of a loop behind the hand in which the housing is gripped and can be gripped and advanced using the thumb and index finger of the hand in which the housing is gripped.