Abstract: Surgical instruments include a handle, gas and electrical conduits, a hollow elongated electrode, elongated insulating sheath, and actuator mechanism. The handle has distal and proximal ends, the proximal end branching to form two arm-like portions and the distal end widening to form a tubular body portion having features sized for receiving at least an index finger and a thumb. Gas and electrical conduits are disposed within the handle for connection to external gas and electrical sources. A hollow elongated electrode extends from the handle, defines a gas conduit along its length, and is operably coupled to the gas and electrical conduits. An elongated insulating sheath encloses the electrode. An actuator mechanism alternates between two states to turn the instrument on and off. A sheath actuator slidably retracts and extends the elongated insulating sheath to increase or decrease exposure of the electrode. Methods for operating electrosurgical instrument are also disclosed.