Abstract: A surgical stapler for suturing tissue that includes a flat driver slidably mounted in a stapler frame in operative association with a substantially flat anvil rotatably mounted in the frame. The anvil includes a projection, or flange, that is located near the nose of the stapler frame. The driver has a staple-forming recess at the nose area. The anvil is rotated by activation of the driver via a trigger mounted in the frame means. When the anvil is rotated from a non-engaged position to an engaged position by action of the driver, the projection of the anvil drops on the inner side of a staple in the recess. Further outward movement of the driver crimps the staple in the recess between the projection and the driver. De-engagement of the driver from the staple results in forcing the anvil to rotate from the engaged position to the non-engaged position so as to free the crimped staple from its position in the recess.