An electrosurgical instrument for removal of tissue from a patient. The electrosurgical instrument includes a handle portion having a pair of end effectors configured to remove tissue, connected to and supported by the handle portion for relative movement generally toward one another. One of the end effectors includes a conductive cutting portion that is configured to receive electrical energy from an electrical energy source. The other of the end effectors includes an opposing portion. The opposing portion is brought into a position generally opposing the conductive cutting portion during relative movement of the end effectors toward one another. When electrical energy is conducted through the conductive cutting portion, removal and cauterization of the tissue from the patient is facilitated.
