An electrosurgical instrument for use by a surgeon that provides additional features and benefits compared with known designs. The operating mode as well as other operating parameters, especially power level, can be preset by the surgeon before commencing the procedure. Five operating modes are available using a three-button fingerswitch handpiece and a 3-way footswitch, including three unipolar modes and two bipolar modes over a full range of power levels including a new turbo mode for treating heavy bleeders.