A surgical access assembly is provided for retaining tissue, membrane, and organs in a retracted position after insertion into an incision on a patient. The assembly includes a hollow surgical access channel of oblong cross-section optionally expandable and contractible in diameter, thereby providing means for distraction of structure affixed to the retractor. The assembly optionally further comprises: gripping means for grasping by a surgeon or device and an introducer of generally oblong cross-section. The introducer, adapted to fit within the access channel, is generally rectangular in cross-section, rounded at the edges, with parallel sides. The distal end of the introducer protrudes from the retractor when inserted therein, and works to delicately push tissue apart. The introducer is placed within the hollow access channel and provides an hollow access channel for access by a surgeon and surgical instruments.
