We Are Here and Ready to Safely Care for You
At Johns Hopkins Medicine, your health and safety are our very highest priorities. We are ready to care for you and your family in our hospitals, surgery centers, and through in-person clinic and online video visits. Learn how we are keeping you safe and protected so that you can get the care you need.
How We Make Sure You Are Safe
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, our doctors and care teams are taking extra precautions to make your visit as safe as possible.
Testing and Screening
Masks and Protective Equipment
Cleaning
Physical Distancing
In-Person Visits
If you are an existing patient and had an appointment that was postponed, our offices may contact you to reschedule. You can also call your doctor’s office or send a message via MyChart to discuss your healthcare needs so we can determine the appointment that is most appropriate. If you are a new patient, please call us at 443-997-1508 to schedule an in-person primary or specialty care visit.
Learn more about in-person visits.
Surgeries and Procedures
If you've been already scheduled for a procedure that had to be postponed, we will reach out to reschedule. If this is a new procedure, please contact us at 443-997-1508 to schedule a consultation.
Learn more about preparing for your appointment.
Video Visits (Telemedicine)
Learn more about video visits.
*New patients have not been previously seen by a provider at the Department of Surgery. **Existing patients have been seen by the department in the past. Existing patients must have a MyChart account to request an appointment online, or may otherwise need to call. You can enroll in MyChart to manage appointments, communicate with your provider, receive test results and request prescription renewals.
Recently formed as a new division within the Johns Hopkins Department of Surgery, the Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery specializes in the surgical treatment of gastrointestinal and abdominal wall disease. The division has particular expertise in the foregut — a part of the body that consists of the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach), stomach and upper small intestines. Additionally, we offer surgery for benign gallbladder disease (gallstones, biliary colic) and a wide range of hernias (inguinal, ventral, incisional, umbilical, epigastric, hiatal and paraesophageal).
Throughout the department, our surgeons utilize the world’s most advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques to perform safe and precise procedures with small incisions, leading to quicker recovery times, less scarring, shorter hospital stays and reduced blood loss for patients.
Learn more about the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and what types of surgical procedures can be performed through these techniques. Also learn more about our Minimally Invasive Surgical Training Center.
Conditions We Treat
The Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery specializes in the surgical treatment of diseases in the foregut, including:
- Hernias:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Achalasia
- Gallbladder disorders
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Paraesophageal hernia repair
- Obesity
We also offer additional world-class hernia repair procedures at our Comprehensive Hernia Center.
Our Advanced Treatment Approaches
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery uses a small camera and instruments to reach internal organs through minor incisions. The camera allows the surgeon to view the organs on a high-definition screen. Compared to traditional open or long incision surgery, minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery is associated with shorter recovery times and less pain.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery allows surgeons to perform a surgery with precision and control. During this surgery, surgeons will insert small tools and a small camera through small incisions on the body, giving the surgeon a clearer view of the area. The surgeon moves the tools with a controller that takes the place of an actual hand. Surgeons are able to view a high-definition 3-D image on the console, making it easier to see the surgical procedure.
Your physician will decide on the best option for you.
Robotic Surgery | FAQ with Dr. Alisa Coker
Johns Hopkins minimally invasive surgeon Dr. Alisa Coker answers frequently asked questions about robotic surgery, including conditions treated with the technique and benefits in comparison to traditional open surgery.
LINX | FAQ with Dr. Alisa Coker
Johns Hopkins minimally invasive surgeon Dr. Alisa Coker answers frequently asked questions regarding the use of the LINX reflux management system in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
Meet Our Physicians
Gina Lynn Adrales, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery Training and Innovation Center
Co-Director, The Johns Hopkins Bariatric Surgery Fellowship
