An inflatable retractor for use in laparoscopic surgery of a patient's body includes an inflatable element disposed at a distal end of a retractor shaft. The retractor shaft includes a port for receiving insufflating fluid. The inflatable element is designed so that different parts of the inflatable element may be filled to different pressure levels. The inflatable element may include separately inflatable chambers. In this way, the rigidity and shape of the inflatable element is controlled by the surgeon, allowing for flexibility and ease of use.