The present invention contemplates a hand-held and hand-operable stitching device capable of securely placing a single interrupted suture through a wound using sterile suturing material with a single squeeze of the device's arms. Operating substantially faster than a surgeon, the compact and lightweight device employs an intuitive stapler-like structure and a center assembly capable of closing a wound with traditional suturing material secured by anchors that remain on either side of the wound. The apparatus employs needle-suture units stored in a center assembly and deployed individually when the device is actuated. When actuated, an epicyclic gear train within a center assembly causes a needle-suture unit to rotate through a circular path through the tissue, bringing the edges of separated tissue together. The suture thread is then secured in its position with anchors and the needle is then disjointed from the suture thread with a blade.