Bipolar surgical instrument with tissue stop

A bipolar forceps (10) includes a mechanical forceps (20) including first and second shafts (12, 14) each having a jaw member (42, 44) extending from a distal end (17, 19) thereof and a handle (16, 18) disposed at a proximal end (13, 15) thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members (42, 44) relative to one another about a pivot (25). A disposable housing (70) is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts (12, 14) and an electrode assembly (21) has electrodes (110, 120) releasably coupleable to the disposable housing (70). The electrode assembly (21) has electrodes (110, 120) releasably coupleable to the jaw members (42, 44). At least one of the electrodes (110, 120) includes a knife channel (58) configured to receive a knife blade (85) therethrough to cut tissue (150) grasped between the jaw members (42, 44). A tissue stop (48) has a knife slot (48) that aligns with the knife channel (58) to receive the knife blade (85). An actuation mechanism (90) advances the knife blade (85) through the knife channel (58) to cut tissue (150).