Abstract: An improved surgical stapler which allows for the multi-directional release of staples includes a stapler body and a driver contained therein. A magazine is connected to the stapler body and includes a plurality of staples. The magazine also includes an anvil having a staple forming surface at a distal end thereof for forming a staple thereon. The anvil is movable from a staple forming position to a staple release position. A feeder element which is spring biased against the staples is used for feeding each staple to the staple forming surface. A trigger is operatively connected to the driver and is movable from a pre-fire position to a firing position for advancing the driver against the anvil for forming the staple against the staple forming surface of the anvil. The trigger is operatively connected to the anvil for moving the anvil from the staple forming position to the staple release position for releasing the staple from the stapler.