A transverse surgical stapling system includes an elongated shaft assembly, a distal tube, an anvil assembly, and a cartridge assembly. The distal tube has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the distal tube supports the elongated shaft assembly. The anvil assembly is supported on the distal end portion of the distal tube. The cartridge assembly is supported on the distal tube in movable relation to the anvil assembly. The anvil and cartridge assemblies are movable between retracted and extended positions relative to the distal tube.