A method and apparatus for laparoscopic insertion and application of a sheet like material (such as an adhesion barrier) and like products enables the laparoscopic surgeon to utilize large and full size sheets of Interceed (3' ' x4' ' ) in abdominal (including pelvic) surgery. In laparoscopy surgery of the abdomen (including pelvis), all instrumentation and all surgical products must be introduced through "ports" consisting of valved sleeves or tubes. To properly and efficiently introduce and apply a large or full size sheet of sheet like material, the present invention provides a method and apparatus of grasping and furling the sheet and then unfurling, releasing and applying it after passage into the patient' s abdominal cavity. The instrument consists of an operational grasping and furling portion which is rotated to furl the sheet like material. It is then "backloaded" or drawn into a tubular portion of the instrument, an inserter sheath for passage through the valved "port". Once the sheet like material is in the abdominal cavity it is unfurled. The grasping portion of the instrument provides for proper and easier alignment and then application of the unfurled sheet. Additional flexibility is achieved by an articulation mechanism which allows horizontal movement of the grasping/furling element to produce an angle in the instrument body.