An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, theinstrument (3)including a shaft (14) and a tip portion including at least one electrode(16), located atthe distal end of the shaft. A fluid impermeable sheath (25) covers at least aproportionof the shaft and extends to the tip portion where it terminates in a distalend portion (26).A metallic shroud (29) is provided, comprising an annular ring portion (30)and arearwardly extending cylindrical portion (31). The ring portion (30) isconnected to thetip portion, and the cylindrical portion (31) overlies the distal end portion(26) of thesheath (25) so as to prevent ingress of fluids at the distal end portion ofthe sheath.
