Vessel sealer and divider

An electrosurgical instrument for performing at least one of sealing and dividing tissue, comprising:a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft defining a longitudinal axis;a first jaw member movable relative to a second jaw member, the first jaw member attached to the shaft and being relatively movable from a first open position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween;a drive rod assembly which imparts movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions;a rotating assembly attached to the housing which selectively rotates the jaw members about the longitudinal axis;a knife assembly attached to the housing which selectively separates tissue grasped between the jaw members;a handle assembly attached to the housing which selectively actuates the drive rod assembly;first and second electrical leads which connect the jaw members to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween; anda handswitch attached to the housing which allows a user to selectively energize the jaw members.