1. A method for operating a surgical stapler, wherein the method comprises: initiating an initial operating state, wherein a cutting element is driven distally during the initial operating state; detecting a threshold condition at the cutting element; communicating the threshold condition to an operator of the surgical stapler; receiving one of a plurality of inputs from the operator, wherein the plurality of inputs comprises a first input and a second input; and initiating a secondary operating state in response to the input from the operator, wherein the cutting element is driven distally in response to the first input, and wherein the cutting element is retracted proximally in response to the second input.