A monopolar electrode for use with a standard electrosurgical pencil and generator suitable for performing tissue ablation at relatively low power levels. The electrode has a cylindrical rim at its distal tip, the exposed conductive area of the cylindrical rim being minimized to create high powered densities sufficient for tissue ablation. The distal end of the electrode is surrounded by a ceramic insulating sleeve and an annular insulating gap is interposed between the electrode and the ceramic sleeve. A tubular polymeric insulating sleeve is applied to the outer surface of the electrode and to the outer surface of the proximal end of the ceramic sleeve.