For some types of cancers, traditional open surgery may not be the best option. With robotic surgery, specially trained surgeons use robotic technology, including tiny surgical tools and a computer console, to remove a patient's cancer.

Robotic surgery is usually laparoscopic. During surgery, the surgeon places a thin tool with a light and tiny camera called a laparoscope through small cuts in the patient's skin. The laparoscope sends images back to a video monitor so the surgeon can see inside without having to make larger cuts.