An endoscopic stitching device includes a handle assembly having a main rod and first and second blade control members, and an elongate shaft assembly having first and second blade drive members, an axial rod, and an end effector. The first and second blade drive members are received in respective first and second grooves of the first and second blade control members and rotated about the first and second blade control members to be secured with a circumferential groove of the first and second blade control members, such that the first and second blade control members are movable with the respective first and second blade drive members. The axial rod is detachably coupled with the main rod for concomitant movement therewith. The end effector includes jaws operatively coupled with the axial rod, and needle receiving blades operatively coupled with the respective first and second blade drive members.
