A surgical access system includes retractor for creating an access path between an incision site and a surgical site. The retractor includes a frame having a base member and a pair of generally curved rails extending therefrom. A tubular member is coupled to the frame and includes first and second blade portions that are capable of relative movement with respect to each other by movement on the curved rails. A method of inserting the retractor into a patient includes inserting a guide rod over a guide wire, locating an obturator in the retractor, inserting the obturator and retractor over the guide rod, and removing both the guide rod and obturator to leave the retractor in the body to provide the access path.