A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw disposed in
opposed correspondence with the first jaw. The second jaw is mechanically
coupled to the first jaw at a proximal end opposite a distal end. A
cutting element is disposed within the second jaw, and a first driver is
configured to move the cutting element proximally from the distal end
toward the proximal end of the second jaw to cut a section of tissue
disposed between the first and second jaws. The device may also include a
stapling element disposed within the second jaw. The cutting element and
the stapling element may be contiguous so as to define a cutting and
stapling element, such as a wedge having a blade disposed thereon. As the
wedge is moved proximally from the distal end of the second jaw to the
proximal end, the wedge pushes a plurality of staples against a plurality
of opposing staple guides disposed in the first jaw in order to staple a
section of tissue while cutting the section of tissue.