Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS · Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers
Surgical Oncologist & Hernia Surgeon in Los Angeles
★★★★★ 5.0 · Ranked among the top 1% of U.S. surgeons — U.S. News & World Report
Board-certified surgeon with advanced training in surgical oncology, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted surgery — treating hernias, GIST, pancreatic cancer, and complex abdominal conditions at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
Second opinions welcome · Seen within days, not weeks
★ Super Doctors · Los Angeles
★ U.S. News Top 1% of Surgeons
★ Past Professor & Division Chief
Meet Dr. Ellenhorn
A Cancer & Hernia Surgeon Trusted by Physicians Nationwide
Joshua Ellenhorn, MD, FACS is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery. He provides surgical care for hernias, GIST, pancreatic cancer, and other complex conditions at his private practice at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
A past professor and chief of the Division of General and Oncologic Surgery, Dr. Ellenhorn directed a nationally recognized surgical oncology training program and has personally trained more than 60 surgical oncologists practicing across the country. He has published over 100 book chapters, abstracts, and peer-reviewed articles, lectured at medical conferences worldwide, and served on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Oncology Study Section.
Areas of Expertise
Surgical Oncology & General Surgery in Los Angeles
From routine hernia repair to complex cancer resections, every operation is guided by decades of academic experience and the most advanced minimally invasive techniques.
The Difference
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ellenhorn
When the diagnosis is serious, experience is everything. Patients come to Dr. Ellenhorn for the judgment that only decades at the top of academic surgery can provide.
Academic Authority
Past professor and division chief who trained more than 60 of the surgical oncologists practicing in the U.S. today.
Pioneer in Robotics
An early adopter and innovator in minimally invasive and robotic techniques for abdominal surgery — smaller incisions, faster recovery.
Research-Driven Care
Directed an active research laboratory developing cancer vaccines, and served on the NIH Clinical Oncology Study Section.
Cedars-Sinai Practice
Private practice in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers with the full resources of a world-class medical campus.
What Patients Are Saying
Real reviews · 5.0 average rating
“Dr. Ellenhorn is simply the best. I trusted my life with him and I am so glad I did.”
Valerie M.“He is very professional, intelligent and kind. He always talks and listens to you. He saved my Mom’s life. I highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed.”
Lyudmila V.“Thank you for all your compassionate and professional care that you have given me over the last 5 years. There are not enough words to express my appreciation.”
Barbara S.“You are a terrific doctor. My heartfelt thanks to you for the excellent work and all the care you showed. May you continue to help and heal people!”
Dina G.“Thank you so much for your excellent work during my colon surgery. I experienced minimal pain during recovery… Your kindness and dedication to patients really shine bright in everything you do.”
Verified Patient“Dr. Ellenhorn and his staff took care of my needs, answered all my questions. I was given the best medical care.”
Rodette D.Visit Us
Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers
8635 West 3rd Street, Suite 880W
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Patient Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does Dr. Ellenhorn treat?
Dr. Ellenhorn provides surgical care across the full spectrum of surgical oncology and general surgery: hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and complex hernias), gallbladder surgery, GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumors), pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, colon and rectal cancer, breast cancer, melanoma and skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, and sarcoma and soft tissue tumors — with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted options whenever appropriate.
Why see a surgical oncologist instead of a general surgeon?
A surgical oncologist has advanced fellowship training in the surgical management of cancer — how tumors behave, when an operation is the right choice, and how surgery fits with chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. Dr. Ellenhorn is board-certified in general surgery with advanced surgical oncology training, a past professor and division chief who has trained more than 60 surgical oncologists, so patients benefit from both perspectives in one surgeon.
Do you provide second opinions for cancer diagnoses?
Yes — and they are strongly encouraged. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, refine staging, and open the door to less invasive options you may not have been offered. Dr. Ellenhorn regularly provides second opinions for patients from across Los Angeles and out of state, personally reviewing imaging, pathology, and your proposed treatment plan.
What is robotic and minimally invasive surgery?
Instead of one large incision, these techniques use several small incisions, a high-definition camera, and precise instruments — often with robotic assistance. For most patients this means less post-operative pain, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, and a faster return to normal life. Dr. Ellenhorn is a pioneer in applying minimally invasive and robotic techniques to both benign and malignant abdominal conditions.
What types of hernia do you repair?
Dr. Ellenhorn repairs inguinal (groin), umbilical, ventral, incisional, and complex or recurrent hernias. Most repairs can be performed with minimally invasive or robotic techniques on an outpatient basis, so patients go home the same day and recover quickly.
What is GIST, and why does it need a specialist?
GIST — gastrointestinal stromal tumor — is a rare tumor of the digestive tract that requires specialized surgical judgment. Dr. Ellenhorn is a recognized GIST specialist serving patients throughout Los Angeles and California, combining surgical expertise with the latest evidence on targeted therapy.
Do you treat pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers?
Yes. Dr. Ellenhorn performs surgery for pancreatic cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer, and colon and rectal cancer, applying minimally invasive approaches where appropriate. His background as a past professor, division chief, and NIH Clinical Oncology Study Section member informs every treatment plan.
Do you treat melanoma and other skin cancers?
Yes. Dr. Ellenhorn surgically manages melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and other skin cancers, as well as sarcoma and soft tissue tumors — rare conditions where experienced surgical judgment makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.
Do I need a referral, and do you work with my insurance?
Most patients can schedule directly without a referral, though some insurance plans require one. Call our office at 310-564-7003 and our staff will help verify your benefits and coordinate any paperwork before your visit.
Where is your office and what should I bring?
Dr. Ellenhorn sees patients at Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, 8635 West 3rd Street, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048 — open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any recent imaging or pathology reports so the doctor can review your complete picture.
Experience Matters. Especially Now.
Request a consultation or a second opinion with Dr. Ellenhorn at Cedars-Sinai.
310-564-7003