An electrosurgical generator for generating radio frequency power comprises a radio frequency output stage having three or more output connections 62A, 62B, 62C, and one or more sources of radio frequency output power coupled to the output stage. A controller 72 is operable to cause the system to supply a first coagulating RF waveform delivered between a first pair 62A, 62B of the output connections (see figure 6A), or a second cutting RF waveform delivered between a second pair 62A, 62C of the output connections (See figure 6B). In a first mode of operation the controller supplies the first coagulating RF waveform, and in a second subsequent mode of operation the controller supplies the second cutting RF waveform for a first predetermined period of time followed by the first coagulating RF waveform for a second predetermined period of time. The first and second predetermined periods of time are both in excess of 1 second. The first coagulating mode provides incomplete coagulation to ensure that the tissue dessication is not complete, so that the cutting RF will be effective.
