If you have a hiatal hernia and need the best, Dr. Chen is it! I've been to so many doctors and I wish they all were like Dr. Chen. He came in, looked at all my tests, went over my history, explained my options to fix what I possibly had. I explained that I didn't know if I was misdiagnosed by a GI dr or the tests were wrong. He assured me that we would approach the issue as worst case scenario and would order tests to rule out or confirm if I indeed did have a hiatal hernia. For the first time in months since getting extremely sick I finally felt seen, heard, and validated. Dr. Chen treated me like a human being. His bedside manner was compassion, kind, empathetic, and respectful. They don't make Doctors like him anymore. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for helping me through this difficult time in my life. I feel confident that with his support and advocacy I will be able to get back to being healthy again soon. read more

Dr David Chen is the most compassionate and knowledgeable surgeon I would trust to do surgery on my family or myself. He's gone above and beyond on two of my surgeries and I believe he saved my life twice. His staff is so kind and helpful, just as he is. Everyone at UCLA SM speaks so highly of him, his nurses and his team. You are in great hands asking for Dr Chen! read more

Dr David Chen changed my life. I was in pain for three years, daily pain from a hernia aggravated by a vasectomy that another doctor had performed. Dr Chen knew exactly what to do. I felt better immediately and after about 8 weeks of recovery I am feeling 100 percent. From daily pain to overwhelming gratitude. I could not recommend him more highly. read more

Oh wow! I don't even know where to start. I had been dealing with what i KNEW was a hernia for over 2 years and from my PCP and gynecologist, 2 ultra sounds, a ct scan and MRI, no one would believe me. I got a referral to UCLA and saw a new gynecologist who definitively said I had a hernia in our first meeting and referred me to Dr. Chen. I waited about 5 months for my consult with Dr. CHen and as soon as I met him he put me at such ease and we scheduled the surgery. I had my surgery yesterday morning and my experience at UCLA from start to finish was exceptional. The kindness and care that each employee I interacted with had was nothing like I'd ever seen. Each nurse along with anesthesiologist and Dr. Chen himself walked me though every single process and what to expect. I never felt nervous or confused and they even called me back today to check on my post surgery. The hospital and the staff were Professional, clean, kind, respectful, and absolutely wonderful. So grateful I found Dr. Chen read more

Long overdue review but felt that it was much needed. Today marks 1 year post my complex hernia repair that Dr. Chen operated on and all I can say is that he is by far one of-the best surgeons that exist. He operated on me on a botched hernia repair that a Kaiser doctor had done and all I can say is that he did an amazing job. One year later and it looks as if I had not had any surgery. It took me months of researching doctors and was so glad I found him and one year later all i can say is that i will forever be grateful to him and his UCLA team for giving me the quality service I received. Therefore, if you are looking for a great surgeon who has tons of experience in complex hernia repairs this is the guy. read more

07/03/2025 A year ago Dr. David Chen operated on me to repair a ventral hernia, umbilical hernia and diastasis recti (all at once). There was a split/separation in the muscles from the navel up to the sternum, the linea alba was stretched out and not holding the abdominal muscles together effectively. A ventral hernia repair from 40 years ago by another doctor in another hospital had failed years before. Until I met Dr. Chen, I worried about having the surgery. Dr. Chen gave me confidence that it would be done right. Soon after recovering from the surgery, Dr. Chen visited. He is a very pleasant man. He informed me that the surgery went very well and he was able to repair the problems entirely. I feel extremely fortunate to have been under his care. Not only did he have the skill to perform the surgery but also the skill to have done this through a very small incision (maybe an inch, if that). I experienced very little pain during recovery. I'm fully healed at this point. I no longer feel my insides bulging out like before the repair. An unexpected major bonus to things now being aligned to anatomically correct...My chronic lower back pain (which was often debilitating) is greatly relieved! I remain greatly impressed by his compassion, comprehension and extraordinary surgical skill. I recovered quickly and now a year later and I'm able to do everything and I can attest the repair remains solid. Thank you Dr. Chen!!! read more

Dr. Chen is a skilled and extremely knowledgeable hernia surgeon. I had a complicated repair in 2018 and he made me feel at ease and taken care of from my initial visit through my after care. The entire experience at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital was the best I have ever had and I have had multiple abdominal surgeries. He is kind, perceptive, caring and a great listener. I trust this surgeon with my LIFE. read more

Best surgeon by far ever! I don't know where to begin. Then entire staff is very professional, caring, and helped me with all of my paperwork. Dr David Chen saved my life! He helped another surgeon with something that could have been life threatening. He then did a hernia repair on me that was left a mess from other drs! He made my scar look unbelievably perfect! He was as so kind and listened to all of my questions and concerns. I highly recommend this Dr. Thank you again and God Bless read more

I'll make this simple. If you are one of David's patients, you will have the BEST of care. I went to see him after another GI doctor performed a funduplication and it failed. That's a surgical procedure for gerd that is SUPPOSED to fix it. Dr Chen is one of those surgeons who would never criticize another doctor's work, but the previous doctor performed five surgeries a day like an assembly line and clearly screwed up . Dr Chen didn't push me to have the surgery. He warned me about potential risks and said I could live fine by taking Omeprazole daily for life. Screw that. I took the plunge and I'll so glad I did. Dr Chen followed up multiple times and so did his staff. He's not one of those doctors with a God complex. Just a doctor with hundreds of successful surgeries under his belt who takes pride in his work. What more could you want in a surgeon? Of course his patients appreciate him so it might take you a few months to get the first appointment. But the results of this surgery are going to affect the rest of your life, so what's a few months? Pop a few Tums and chill out. You will be SO glad you did!! Thanks Dr Chen! read more

Everyone's inquinal hernia story is unique and individual. I wanted to find a surgeon with expertise in suture repair. I had heard too much about the mesh issue. I did a lot of research. After almost traveling to New York from California, I was referred to Dr. Chen from a surgeon back east. Dr. Chen made me aware that I wasn't a perfect candidate for the surgery and if you're interested in suture repair you will have to meet certain criteria no matter who the surgeon is. After informing me of all the risks, he felt I that met the criteria if only marginally. My only real drawback was that I am just a little advanced in years. My surgery had a few unexpected challenges. Dr. Chen is skilled and versatile. He very comfortably met and resolved the challenges and delivered a great surgery that resulted in a great outcome. It took months to get into see him but it was worth it. Don't expect to be coddled but you can expect competence. read more

What can be said about Dr Chen and his staff and team that has not already been said. That he is a top notch surgeon? That he listens and has excellent bedside manner? That his staff is professional? That his assistant Stephanie is responsive to phone calls and emails? I had a previous hernia operation by a well known colon doctor who should probably stick to his chosen field, or stick to simple/straight forward hernia repairs. I remember the feeling of disappointment upon waking from that surgery, thinking, "It still bulges." I thought it was as good as it gets for someone with complex stomach issues such as myself. Unfortunately, it got worse and the mesh became entangled with my bowels and created digestive blockages. The pain was off the charts. I was bloated and could not eat and always in the ER hooked up to IV pain medication. It was a five month wait for a consult with Dr Chen, which I did not mind as he is busy and I was desperate. On the day of my appt, he was running over an hour late. Once again, I did not mind as I knew he would take his time during my appointment. And he did exactly that. He took the time to answer my questions and look through my medical chart. He has an air of confidence but is anything but smug. He just knows what he is doing. I left the appt feeling confident, too. And did I luck out! Surgery was not available for another five months. That is, until someone canceled right then and there. Might I want to take their slot which was a few days away and a day before Valentine's? Yes! Yes, I do. And so I did. Without going into the gory details, the recovery was more painful than average (and I have a high pain threshold). But it was worth the effort. And UCLA is a wonderful place to have surgery. So professional and on top of everything! It's been several months since my revision and the hernia remains flat, intact, and aesthetically pleasing. But best of all is no more ER visits for intestinal blockages. I'm so lucky to have found Dr Chen and to have been able to have surgery before the pandemic. And to the person who got sick and canceled their own surgery. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much it would have sucked to go through a pandemic with a series of never ending intestinal blockages, wondering if this surgery would ever happen. You saved my sanity and maybe my life. read more

Top notch surgeon and my guardian angel!! Thanks to Dr Chen I survived a ruptured splenic artery and a complete gastrectomy. After years of pain and agony and being placated by other doctors, Dr Chen saved my life! Throughout the quarantine I was always able to contact Dr Chen and his amazing NP Melissa and NP Stephanie. They would answer me within 24 hours and they listened to me as a person, as a patient, and as a human being. My case was very complicated and it took the professional wisdom and coordinated hard work from his entire team to get me to where I am today, happy, healthy and alive!! I really owe it all to Dr Chen and his amazing team. They gave me another chance at life, they are the absolute BEST! read more

Save your time and,more importantly, your mental health and DON'T go to this doctor! After waiting months to see this surgeon - it was so long I didn't remember who he was. I got there early to fill-out paperwork. Staff made it known not happy that I didn't do forms prior to appointment (they didn't care my internet was down for a week). I waited a FULL HOUR after my scheduled appointment time. Incredibly disrespectful to me and my time. When I said something, nurse brought me into a room to take my blood pressure. Didn't even read can only use my left arm as she went to put this on my right arm. Sat there for another 15 minutes and I left. You are invisible in this office and no one cares about you, your health issues or your time. read more

I have worked with many, many surgeons over the last twenty years as a medical device professional. When my wife needed a hernia repair Dr Chen came highly recommended. We could not have been happier with our experience. From his office staff, to surgical team, to post op follow up. He is regarded as a leader in his field, which my wife and I can attest. Five + star experience. Would highly recommend Dr Chen to anyone! read more

On June 29,2022 , I had life threatening emergency surgury in the middle of the night, at UCLA Hospital. I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis Perforated Colon turning Septic. It was indescribable painful, very scary and took a long time to heal and recover. Dr. David Chen was my Dr. and surgeon. I reached out 3 weeks ago (asking for a one paragraph letter) stating my diagnose , which required life threatening surgury immediately. I NEED this letter NOW as I have been told I can receive 4000.00 credit, since I DID NOT use the facility 9 months or more, with a Dr.s letter, proving my medical condition. Today I called again( 3x 3weeks) and I was told again that Dr. Chen WOULD NOT WRITE MY LETTER, instead I was to get a letter from my general doctor. First of all this is Outrageous as you were my Dr and surgeon with a life threatening condition and surgury. I have not seen a primary Dr since the pandemic I was passed on to multiple doctors . I have an appointment on April 19, 2023 to see a new primary dr . I need this Dr letter before April 1, 2023. I do not recommend Dr. Chen. I would pick another Dr./Surgeon that would follow up and do all that is necessary to help you. This operation was so severe that I fell into a deep depression and the pain was horrid. I am so horrified and disappointed in Dr. Chen and his office staff. Sincerely, Suzy Houghton read more

Dr Chen is the ABSOLUTE Best! From the moment you walk into the office! His office staff are all kind, professional and helpful! Even the day of the procedure. His team made you feel as if they are really going to take care of you which they most certainly did! I saw Dr Chen for mesh removal which was successful!! I highly recommend Dr Chen and his team with no reservations!! read more

I would give Dr. Chen 10 stars if I could. After discovering I had recurrent bi-lateral inguinal hernias and mesh pain after a robot assisted laparoscopic surgery in 2016, I did a lot of research on robot assisted laparoscopic re-dos, including mesh removal. Most surgeons won't even attempt to do either. But, Dr. Chen is a specialist in cases like these and even teaches about it. He is also an expert in the delicate and painstaking process of identifying each and every nerve to avoid chronic pain afterwards. I put my trust and faith in Dr. Chen, and I am very glad that I did. I just returned from my 2 week post op visit with him, and everything worked out perfectly! I am healing well, have very little pain ... and, FINALLY, no more hernias!! THANK YOU Dr. Chen!!! read more

If you want the best of the best he is. I had 3 surgeries with Dr. Chen. He gave me is undivided attention and compassion with my health issues. He took the time to explain to me everything and for each surgeries he was there everyday to check on me at the hospital and answering to all my questions and make sure I was getting everything I need. Each surgeries were a success and Dr. Chen really saved me. It is very rare to find a Dr. that is passionate of what he is doing, knowledgeable professional and compassionate to his patient: Dr. Chen is part of this small restricted group and I am so blessed that he is my Dr. read more

My Bi-Lateral Inguinal Hernia must have started 7 years ago. First was manifested in nausea, then followed by weight loss and lately caused an unbearable pelvic and abdominal pain. I always tried to stay away from doctors and heal myself. It did not work out this time. I gave up when I could barely walk anymore. I was fortunate to have Dr. Chen perform the operation. I had to wait 2 months for the first available consultation appointment to see him. It was worth the wait. The operation was done using minimally invasive Laparoscopic technology. It was swift, followed by instant painless recovery, no bleeding, no scars and no Post Op medications needed. This review is for patients who are seeking help or are hesitant of having a surgery. Wait no more and look no further! Dr. Chen is the best! I can't praise him enough. On top of his superior medical skills, he has supreme bedside manners, is an excellent listener, is informative, friendly and super easy to communicate with. His team and staff are wonderful as well. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Dr. Chen! read more