When chronic heartburn, acid reflux, or a stubborn hernia disrupts your life, finding the right surgeon can make all the difference. For thousands of patients across the mid-Atlantic region — and even from around the world — that surgeon is Dr. George Kevin Gillian, MD, a board-certified general surgeon and one of America’s most respected minimally invasive surgical specialists.
Who Is Dr. George K. Gillian?
Dr. George Gillian is a general surgeon based in Lorton, Virginia. He received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine and completed his residency in Surgery at the Allegheny Health Network Medical Education Consortium.
With 34 years of experience, Dr. Gillian is affiliated with Inova Alexandria Hospital and has built a reputation as one of the most highly skilled surgeons in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. metro area.
He is a founding specialist at the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute, a dedicated center for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hernias of all types.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Gillian’s practice covers a broad range of general and minimally invasive surgical procedures, with deep specialization in:
- GERD / Acid Reflux Surgery (LINX procedure & TIF procedure)
- Hiatal Hernia Repair
- Inguinal & Ventral Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery
- Abdominal Surgery
The LINX Pioneer: A World-Class Distinction
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Dr. Gillian’s career is his role as a global pioneer of the LINX procedure — a magnetic sphincter augmentation device used to treat chronic acid reflux permanently.
Dr. Gillian was the first surgeon to implant the LINX device in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region. In April 2023, his team performed their 600th LINX procedure at VHC Health – Virginia Hospital Center, making the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute one of the top centers in the country for this procedure.
Dr. Gillian is widely regarded as the number one expert in the LINX procedure, with patients flying in from around the world for his care. He is one of the few doctors certified to train other surgeons on performing the procedure.
This is an extraordinary distinction — placing Dr. Gillian not just among the best surgeons in Virginia, but among the best in the entire world for reflux surgery.
What Patients Say: Real Reviews
Dr. Gillian’s patient satisfaction scores speak volumes about the quality of his care.
On Sharecare, Dr. Gillian holds an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 63 patient reviews — with 60 out of 63 reviewers giving him the maximum 5-star rating.
One patient on WebMD shared: “Dr. Gillian has restored my health. I have had acid reflux for 20+ years and delayed surgery because I was afraid — until finding Dr. Gillian. It has been eight weeks since my LINX surgery and I have no acid reflux whatsoever — no more Prilosec.”
Another patient highlighted his technical skill: A nurse who assisted in surgery noted that Dr. Gillian completed an inguinal hernia repair in just 15 minutes, and patients report that his minimally invasive approach means significantly shorter recovery times and reduced pain.
A recent 2025 review on Sharecare noted: “Dr. Kevin Gillian at Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute provided empathetic care. Simple diagnostics led to a successful re-do fundoplication and hernia repair. Trust his expertise and compassionate approach.”
Published Research & Academic Contributions
Dr. Gillian is not just a clinician — he is an active contributor to surgical science. His published research includes:
Notable works include a retrospective review of 85 consecutive patients treated with a novel hepatic-derived surgical mesh for hiatal hernia repair, and a major study on objective evidence of reflux control after magnetic sphincter augmentation published in the Annals of Surgery.
He has also published research on ventral hernia repair strength using absorbable fixation systems, robotic duodenal polypectomy and pyloroplasty, and contributed a chapter on chronic pain management after inguinal hernia repair in a leading surgical textbook.
His academic work has helped advance the field of minimally invasive surgery far beyond his own operating room.
Hospital Affiliations & Locations
Dr. Gillian is affiliated with multiple top hospitals, including Inova Alexandria Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital-Silver Spring, and Harbor Heights Surgery Center. His primary practice is located at:
- Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute, Lorton, VA
- Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington, VA
His practice serves patients across Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Why Choose Dr. George K. Gillian?
Here’s a quick summary of what sets Dr. Gillian apart:
| Factor | Details |
| Experience | 34+ years in surgery |
| LINX Procedures | 600+ performed — among the most in the USA |
| Patient Rating | 4.8/5 stars (Sharecare), 4.2/5 (Vitals) |
| Training Role | Certified to train other surgeons on LINX |
| Recognition | Top Doc, Northern Virginia Magazine (2017) |
| Research | Multiple peer-reviewed publications |
Conclusion
Whether you’re suffering from debilitating acid reflux, a painful hernia, or have been told surgery is your only option, Dr. George K. Gillian represents the gold standard in minimally invasive surgical care. His combination of pioneering expertise, world-class volume of complex procedures, compassionate patient care, and active research contributions makes him one of the most complete surgical specialists in the United States.
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FAQs
Q1. Who is Dr. George K. Gillian?
Dr. George K. Gillian is a board-certified general surgeon based in Lorton and Arlington, Virginia. With over 34 years of experience, he specializes in minimally invasive surgery, GERD treatment, and hernia repair. He practices at the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute and is affiliated with Inova Alexandria Hospital and Virginia Hospital Center.
Q2. What is the LINX procedure, and why is Dr. Gillian famous for it?
The LINX procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small ring of magnetic beads to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, permanently preventing acid reflux without the need for daily medication. Dr. Gillian was the first surgeon to implant the LINX device in the DMV region and has performed over 600 LINX procedures — placing him among the most experienced LINX surgeons in the entire United States. He is also one of the few doctors certified to train other surgeons on the technique.
Q3. What conditions does Dr. Gillian treat?
Dr. Gillian treats a wide range of conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernias, inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, abdominal pain, adhesions, and acid reflux disease. He also performs general abdominal surgery and laparoscopic procedures for digestive health conditions.
Q4. Where is Dr. George K. Gillian located?
Dr. Gillian’s primary practice is at the Virginia Heartburn and Hernia Institute in Lorton, VA. He also sees patients at Virginia Hospital Center, located at 1701 N George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205. His practice serves patients from across Maryland, Delaware, Washington D.C., Pennsylvania, and Virginia — and even internationally.
