An operation that requires a smaller incision (cut) or incisions than traditional "open" surgery. The advantage of this kind of surgery is that surgeons don't need to cut through as much tissue as when they make a longer incision using traditional surgery. This means your child will have a smaller scar and is likely to recover faster after surgery with less pain — and less need for narcotic pain killers that may have unpleasant side effects. In addition, children who have minimally invasive surgeries typically have shorter hospital stays. Laparoscopy, robot-assisted laparoscopy or thoracoscopy are all types of minimally invasive surgery.