Abstract: An endoscopic surgical stapler and suture placing instrument is provided having a means adjacent the distal end for removably positioning a suture in front of and in registry with the staple discharge opening such that a staple discharged therefrom will affix the suture to a target tissue. An apparatus for adapting an existing endoscopic stapler is also provided wherein the apparatus comprises a means for positioning a suture in front of and in registry with the staple discharge opening. A method of suturing a target tissue of an individual by suturing the target tissue with the novel endoscopic surgical stapler and suture placing instrument is also provided. The invention provides that this method is particularly well-adapted to an individual undergoing a modified Burch's procedure for stress urinary incontinence or a presacral corpopexy procedure for vaginal prolapse.