Inserting and locking the bladeless, optical tip obturator into the AnchorPort® cannula stretches the elastomeric cannula for the purpose of laparoscopic entry. Once the AnchorPort® trocar is placed in the desired position, the obturator is unlocked, releasing the elastomeric cannula and allowing it to retract to its resting position, thus minimizing its laparoscopic “footprint” both inside and outside the cavity and allowing for a remarkably wide range of instrument movement and manipulation.