An electrosurgical instrument includes an active electrode and an instrument return electrode, while the resectoscope also includes a resectoscope return electrode. The generator includes a source of radio frequency energy capable of producing either a coagulating RF waveform or a cutting RF waveform, and first, second and third output connections connected to the active electrode, the instrument return electrode, and the resectoscope return electrode respectively. The generator also includes a switching device, and a controller, the controller being such that when a cutting RF waveform is selected, the switching device directs the cutting RF waveform between the first and second output connections and hence the active electrode and the instrument return electrode. When a coagulating RF waveform is selected, the switching device directs the coagulating RF waveform between the first and third output connections and hence the active electrode and the resectoscope return electrode.
