Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue. The apparatus comprises shaft mounted jaw mechanism and a housing (containing mechanical components) mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft. The jaw mechanism comprises two pivoting jaws, each with reversibly lockable needle end openings, each configured to receive and exchange a curved needle and attached suture between the jaws in response to force applied to control mechanisms on the housing. The jaw mechanisms are controlled by locking rods and a jaw open-shut control rod that extends between the jaws and the housing. The housing contains spring loaded click cam mechanisms, often comprising a dual hollow cylindrical cam inner piston cam arrangement. The apparatus is configured so that a human operator, exerting force on the same control mechanism, can both open and shut the jaws and cause the needle to be exchanged between jaws.