A device used to dissect connective tissue layers creating access to a surgical site for a variety of surgical procedures. The device typically consists of a cannula, a distention balloon, an obturator, an inflation bulb, and a regulating valve(s). An endoscope is introduced into the cannula to monitor the dissection and/or the insertion process. The balloon is inflated to fill volume exerting pressure on the tissue layers. It is then deflated and removed, and distention is maintained by infusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) via the cannula. This device can be used for hernia repair, varicocele dissection, sympathectomy, lymph node biopsy, or perforator vein ligation. This is a single-use device.