In a first aspect of the invention, a surgical access device for inserting surgical instruments into the body of a patient comprises a sleeve section defining a longitudinal axis and also a working channel. A ratio between a length and an internal diameter of the sleeve section lies in a range of approximately 4:1 to approximately 14. In a second aspect of the invention, a surgical access system comprises a surgical access device for introducing surgical instruments into the body of a patient which comprises a sleeve section defining a longitudinal axis, and also comprising an insertion instrument for inserting the access device into an abdominal wall of the patient in particular. A ratio between a length and an internal diameter of the sleeve section lies in a range of approximately 4:1 to approximately 14:1.
