A retractor/protector suitable for use in a surgical incision or a natural orifice comprises a longitudinal axis defining an instrument access channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end； an outer ring； an inner ring； and a flexible sheath extending between the outer ring and the inner ring, wherein the instrument access channel extends through the outer ring, the inner ring, and the sheath, and the inner ring is non-circular, non-coplanar and/or non-parallel. Embodiments of the retractor/protector are described that have inner rings of a variety of non-circular or non-coplanar shapes that are insertable through small incisions or orifices, minimize space occupied and maintain a strong anchor and effective retraction.
