Abstract: This invention relates to an improved surgical retractor. The retractor has a cross member, a fixed arm, a sliding arm, and an improved spring locking means for securely locating the sliding arm on the cross member. The arms each have inwardly directed blade members which extend into the wound to hold it open. The present structure allows the surgeon to directly and accurately feel the force of the arms on the wound during insertion and the locking mechanism enables him to quickly, easily and safely lock the arms in a selected position. In one embodiment used for kidney surgery, the arms are contoured to the patient's body to allow the cross member to be located against the patient's flank. This provides the surgeon with increased access over the cross member and avoids the danger that he will lean on the cross member, causing the retractor to twist in the wound or ever to flip right out of the wound.