An instrument for electrosurgical treatment including an instrument head which forms a conveying body with a gas-fillable lumen. The lumen is connected to at least one first opening and at least one second opening in the instrument head. A primary stream of gas leaves through the first opening. The second opening is arranged such that a secondary stream exits the second opening next to the primary stream and/or with additional secondary streams out of additional second openings—away from the instrument head, at least partially peripherally surrounding the primary stream. An electrode is located in the flow of gas exiting out of the first opening for igniting a plasma between the first opening and the tissue to be treated. Due to the secondary stream accompanying the primary stream, an ignition of the plasma is successful even if the instrument is at a relatively large distance from the tissue.
