A switching control device for a medical instrument such as an electrode used in HF surgery. The switching control device comprises a connection line, designed as a switching control module for controlling various electrical operating modes of the instrument with a three-dimensionally and pressure-tightly sealed housing that is resistant to sterilization temperatures, an actuating element and fixing means to be releasably mounted within or on a manipulating part of the instrument, and module contacting means for interacting with device- or instrument-contacting means that are connected to the connection line to perform a switching control function. US2012004649A1