A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. An actuating member is coupled with and extends between ends of the retractor portions which are positionable above the incision. The actuating member is in communication with a controller which includes a user interface for receiving actuation commands from the user. In response to actuation commands, the actuating member is actuated and its length is adjusted to position the first and second retractor portions relative to one another in the incision. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.
