An endoscopic forceps for treating tissue includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto which has first and second jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. Each of the jaw members is connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are selectively capable of operating in a bipolar mode which enables the jaw members to conduct bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to treat tissue. The forceps also includes a monopolar element housed within the first jaw member which is selectively movable from a first position within the first jaw member to a second position distal to the first jaw member. The monopolar element is connected to the source of electrosurgical energy and is selectively activateable independent of the bipolar mode. In an alternative embodiment, the first jaw member extends distally relative to the second jaw member and a control switch is provided for deactivating the second jaw member and enabling the first jaw member to treat tissue in a monopolar fashion. In a further embodiment, the first and second jaw members include a tapered distal end and a control switch is provided for enabling the first and second jaw members to treat tissue in a monopolar fashion. <；IMAGE>；
