A surgical instrument for installing a plurality of interlocking coupling members forming a compression anastomosis assembly, particularly suitable for use in achieving anastomosis of a resected tubular organ, with the instrument having a cutting portion designed and configured for rotational movement as the cutter advances to perform its intended functions of severing tissue and at least a portion of one of the members of the assembly. Also disclosed is a dual locking feature for alternately locking a driving component and an aligning component against movement where, in a first mode, the aligning component is operative when the driving component is locked and, in a second mode, the driving component is operative when the aligning component is locked. Additionally disclosed is a unique aligning component for aligning and exerting a compressive force on members of an associated coupling assembly. Lastly, there is disclosed a surgical instrument capable of assuming a variety of configurations to accommodate a number of anatomical orientations and operating situations.