port having a leading edge 62 and a trailing edge 64 the detent 50 rests against the trailing edge 64 in the intermediate position showing fig1 and rests against the leading edge 62 in an extended position the extended intermediate and retracted positions are shown in fig3 a 3c respectively for an alternative suture management instrument 10a having a straight needle 16a with slanted distal opening 20a the needle 16a is shown in fig3 a with its distal end 18a piercing and extending through soft tissue 70 symmetrical grasping members 24a 26a are shown in an extended position passing on either side of a surgical suture 72 the extended position is maintained by continuous exertion of a first manual force against first surface 82 fig4 to overcome the second biasing force of spring 80 fig2 during retrieval the first manual force is discontinued which allows spring 80 to drive the inner element 42a of the inner assembly proximally to draw symmetrical grasping members 24a 26a partially within the distal end 18a a camming effect against the rim of distal opening 20a forces the grasping members 24a 26a toward each other to encircle the suture 72 in an intermediate position in one procedure the instrument 10a is withdrawn while in the intermediate position to enable relative movement between the suture 72 and the grasping members 24a 26a this procedure is especially useful when it is desired to access one.