An access system for spinal surgery through a lateral approach comprises a tissue retractor including a center body supporting a centering guide having an elongate opening defining an alignment axis. A pair of retractor blades are movably supported by the center body one blade each on either side of said the centering guide, each retractor blade having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal ends of each retractor blade being configured for placement adjacent a spinal column of a patient. A plurality of elongate disc anchors is provided, each disc anchor being sized for individual removable receipt through the centering guide opening. Each disc anchor has a length such that the distal end of each disc anchor extends distally beyond the distal ends of the retractor blades when each disc anchor is respectively disposed in the centering guide opening.
