A method of performing a surgical procedure at an anatomical location in a patient is disclosed. An incision is made in the patient to provide access to an anatomical element. A pressure measurement device may then be inserted into a predetermined area of tissue surrounding the anatomical element. Tissue surrounding the anatomical element may then be retracted with a retractor to expose the anatomical element. A pressure reading from the pressure measurement device may then be obtained that is indicative of an amount of pressure experienced by the predetermined area of tissue as a result of the retraction.