A surgical access assembly (100) includes a cannula (110), a housing (102) mounted to the cannula (110), and a seal disposed within the cannula (110). The cannula (110) is adapted for insertion through tissue to permit access to an underlying tissue site. The cannula (110) defines a longitudinal axis (X) and has a longitudinal passageway (101) for passage of a surgical object for positioning with respect to the tissue site. The housing (102) is adapted for movement relative to the cannula (110) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The seal has a passage for reception of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith. The access assembly further includes a support member (120) mounted to the cannula (110). The support member (120) adapted to maintain a predetermined distance between the housing (102) and the tissue. The support member (120) may be securely affixed to, or selectively positionable along, the cannula (110) with respect to the longitudinal axis (X).
