Robotic surgery allows doctors to perform many types of complex procedures with more precision, flexibility and control than is possible with traditional procedures. Robotic surgery is often performed through tiny incisions. But sometimes it’s used in open surgeries.

Robotic surgery also is called robot-assisted surgery.

Most often, a robotic surgery system includes a camera arm and mechanical arms with surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon controls the arms while seated at a control center, called a console, near the operating table. The surgeon sees a magnified, high-definition, 3D view of the surgical site.