Abstract: A distracting cannula is provided which includes a first penetrating member having a first end and a second end. The first penetrating member has an internal surface providing a through bore operative to receive an elongated surgical instrument. The first penetrating member has an external gripping surface disposed between the first and second ends that is provided by a helical thread. A generally conical shroud has an open end for contacting the patient's skin. An opposite end of the shroud is attached to the first penetrating member near the second end. The first penetrating member first end is inserted into a portal incision of the patient's body until the shroud open end contacts the patient's skin. Torquing the tissue distracting cannula further caused the tissue gripping surface of the first penetrating member to pull the surrounding tissue upward into a cavity created by the shroud.