A surgical wound retractor (12) is adapted to dilate a wound (10) stretchable to a desired diameter, the retractor includes a first ring (14) having a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and being adapted for disposition interiorly of the wound. A second ring (16) has a diameter greater than that desired for the wound and is adapted for disposition exteriorly of the wound. A plurality of retraction elements (36) are disposed in a generally cylindrical relationship to each other, between the first ring (14) and the second ring (16). These elements extend through the wound to exert a radial retraction force on the wound which is dependent on the distance separating the first ring and the second ring. Retraction elements, both distensible and non-distensible are contemplated with appropriate attachment means at the rings to provide for variations in the retraction force. Rings can also be made inflatable or self-expanding to vary the retraction force. An associated method includes the step of rolling the second ring circumferentially of the third ring (83) to form the circumferential retainer.