An electrocautery probe includes a pair of arms between which a roller electrode is mounted. The arms are joined at their proximal ends to an electrode lead and a mounting sleeve is provided intermediate of the arms and the lead for slideably coupling the probe to a resectoscope. According to the invention, the roller electrode has an eccentric convex or concave surface to increase the surface area of the electrode. In other embodiments of the invention the electrode is provided with a plurality of longitudinal surface grooves which further increase surface area of the electrode and also enhance traction of the electrode. The electrodes according to the invention are preferably made of copper, chromium cobalt, or carbonless stainless steel. They preferably have an overall diameter of from about 0.115 to about 0.187 inches and an overall length of from about 0.110 to about 0.120 inches.