A surgical fastening instrument (100) including a handle portion (160), an elongated portion (120), an end effector and a clamp (200) is disclosed. The elongated portion (120) extends distally from the handle portion (160). The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface (202c) disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion (120). The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion (120), and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp (200) has a clamping surface (220c) extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners (300a,300b). The clamp (200) is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue.
