A surgical stapler for use during an open hernia repair comprises an elongated shaft having a handle 120 at its proximal end and a downwardly disposed staple discharge head 130 at its distal end. A squeeze trigger 122 on the handle 120 is operable to cause a supply of staples 160 to be selectively discharged from the port. One or more mesh manipulators 150 are provided on the head 130 and serve to assist in positioning or otherwise manipulating surgical mesh prior to fixation with the staples.