A bipolar endoscopic instrument (10) for sealing tissue, comprising: a handle (18) an elongated drive rod (70) having distal (72) and proximal (71) ends a pair of first and second jaw members (80, 82) being disposed in electromechanical communication with the elongated drive rod and being movable upon reciprocation of the elongated drive rod from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to conduct bipolar energy through tissue (150) held therebetween a resilient arm (40) disposed within the handle for receiving the proximal end of the elongated drive rod for longitudinal and rotational movement within the handle and at least one stop member (139) attached to at least one of the jaw members for controlling the distance between opposing jaw members during sealing.
