Surgical instrument and tape for treating female urinary incontinence

The instrument includes a curved needle-like element (10) defining in part a curved shaft (18) having a distal end (17) and a proximal end (19). The diameter of the needle (10) decreases from the proximal end to the distal end, and the needle terminates in a blunt tip (16). A tape (12) attaches to the needle (10) for implanting into the lower abdomen of a female to provide support to the urethra (54). The tape (12) may be made from synthetic and natural materials. The needle (10) and tape (12) may also be modified to allow the surgeon to attach and detach the tape (12) during the surgical operation.