1,000 Robotic Surgeries Later: Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital Surgeon Debunks Three Common Myths Patients Still Believe
SEBASTIAN, Fl (November 9, 2026) — After completing his 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery, Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital general surgeon Dr. Joseph Bedway says one thing continues to surprise him: how many misconceptions still exist about robotic surgery.
Over the course of his 1,000 procedures, which started back in his residency at Orlando Health Regional Medical Center in 2010, Dr. Bedway has performed a wide range of minimally invasive operations using robotic-assisted technology such as hernias, gallbladder and colon cancer excisions. While robotic technology has become increasingly common, many patients still have questions about how it works and what role the surgeon plays.
"In nearly every conversation, I hear at least one misconception about robotic surgery," said Dr. Bedway. "Patients are often surprised to learn how much control the surgeon maintains throughout the procedure and how the technology is designed to enhance, not replace, surgical expertise."
According to Dr. Bedway, here are the top three most common misconceptions:
The robot performs the surgery on its own.
"The robot never operates independently," said Dr. Bedway. "Every movement is directed by the surgeon. The robotic system is a tool that allows us to see with greater clarity and operate with exceptional precision. The robot allows me to use instruments that have two joints that function just like a human arm."
Robotic surgery is experimental and/or riskier than traditional surgery.
"Robotic-assisted surgery has been used for many years and has become an established option for a variety of procedures," said Dr. Bedway. "Robotic surgery takes traditional laparoscopic surgery and gives the surgeon more control and natural movement. In the right hands it is safer than laparoscopic surgery and leads to a quicker recovery and healing.”
Technology replaces the skill of the surgeon.
"Technology doesn't perform surgery. Surgeons do," said Dr. Bedway. "Training, judgment, experience and decision-making remain the most important factors in every operation. The robot simply helps us perform certain procedures with greater precision and flexibility."
Hospital leaders say Dr. Bedway's 1,000th robotic-assisted surgery represents both a personal milestone and a significant advancement in surgical care available to local residents.
"Dr. Bedway brings a tremendous depth of experience to Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. Reaching 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries is a remarkable professional achievement and reflects the expertise he now brings to patients in Southern Brevard and Indian River counties,” said Dan Bowen, Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital President. “His advanced training and experience help expand access to minimally invasive surgical options close to home, allowing more patients to benefit from greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times."
For Dr. Bedway, the achievement is about more than a number.
"One thousand surgeries represent one thousand patients who placed their trust in myself and the team," he said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how robotic-assisted technology has helped so many people recover and get back to their lives sooner. I'm honored to be part of that journey and look forward to continuing to serve this community for years to come."
For more information about surgical services at Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital, click here. For information about Dr. Bedway and to schedule an appointment, click here.
About Orlando Health: Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $15 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 24, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
