Flexible shaft extender and method of using same

An electro-mechanical surgical system, comprising:

• an electro-mechanical driver device including at least one rotatable drive member and a coupling associated with the at least one rotatable drive member;
• a surgical attachment configured to perform a surgical function, the surgical attachment including a coupling for receiving an operative force from the electro-mechanical driver device;
• and
• a substantially rigid extender for electromechanically selectively interconnecting the surgical attachment and the at least one rotatable drive member of the electro-mechanical driver device, the extender including:
• a handle;
• a substantially rigid tube coupled to and extending from the handle;
• a first coupling disposed on the handle, the first coupling being configured for detachable coupling to the coupling of the electro-mechanical driver device for providing operative connection to the at least one drive member of the electro-mechanical driver device, the first coupling including an integral electrical connector for connection with an electrical connector of the electro-mechanical driver device;
• a second coupling disposed at a free end of the rigid tube, the second coupling
• being configured for detachable coupling to a coupling of the surgical attachment;
• and
• at least two rotatable shafts disposed within the rigid tube, each rotatable shaft being configured to engage and be secured with a respective rotatable drive member of the electro-mechanical driver device such that rotation of the respective rotatable drive members by the electro-mechanical driver device causes the at least two rotatable shafts of the extender to rotate, thereby transmitting a force to the surgical attachment so as to operate the surgical attachment.