An improved surgical stapler for applying a suture to a tissue is provided. The surgical stapler includes handles and a stapling assembly for emplacing a suture and staples into tissue as a purse string suture. Retainer structure, for example, a plurality of guides are provided for releasably retaining a portion of the suture substantially adjacent to the handles. The suture may also be releasably retained substantially adjacent to the handles by passing the suture through a tubular member releasably mounted on one of the handles. A clamp may be used to clamp and secure the suture within the tubular member either before or after removal of the tubular member from the handles.