A surgical retractor system includes a first retractor and a second retractor. The first retractor comprises a first working channel for receiving a tool therethrough. The second retractor is capable of being advanced through the first working channel, and its proximal end is positioned in the vicinity of the distal end of the first retractor. The second retractor includes a second working channel for receiving a tool therethrough. In another aspect, a method for accessing a surgical site comprises inserting a first retractor into a first tissue, advancing a second retractor through a first working channel in the first retractor, and inserting the second retractor into a second tissue to retract the second tissue, with the distal end of the first retractor remaining in the vicinity of the proximal end of the second retractor sufficiently to allow access to the target tissue by a surgical tool. A tool for operating a second retractor located distally in a first retractor is described. The use of the system for surgery of the spine is described.
