A surgical stapler includes a control handle having a forward-extending barrel and a stapling device at the distal end of the barrel, where the stapling device has a stapling head part, a stapler body part, and a hinge connection therebetween such that the stapling head part is pivotable relative to the barrel. The stapling head part has a holder region, opposite the hinge connection, configured for holding a surgical staple during positioning and implanting the staple. The proximal end portion of the stapling head part can be pivoted outwardly relative to the barrel to at least about 15° from an at rest position, juxtaposed with the stapler body part, to an active position for implantation of a staple into tissue in a generally proximal direction toward the control handle.