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Hernia Repair Surgery
Hernia Repair Surgery in Greater Houston
Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Repair
A hernia often starts as a small bulge or a pulling sensation in the groin or abdomen that becomes more noticeable when you stand, lift, cough, or exercise. Adult hernias do not heal on their own, but not every hernia needs surgery right away.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir evaluates each hernia in person and recommends the repair that fits your anatomy, your health, and the activities you want to return to. He sees patients in Katy and Sugar Land and cares for patients from Richmond, Fulshear, West Houston, and across Greater Houston.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, hernia specialist and general surgeon in Katy and Sugar Land, TX
- Dual board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
- Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery, 2026 (see listing)
- Highly reviewed: rated 4.9 stars on Google
- Specialized in open, laparoscopic, and robotic hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and complex abdominal surgery
Patient Reviews
Patient Experiences With Dr. Shakir
Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Real experiences from patients treated in Katy and Sugar Land.
Jump to a section
- Hernia repair at a glance
- What is a hernia?
- Types of hernias
- Symptoms and when to see a surgeon
- How a hernia is diagnosed
- Does every hernia need surgery?
- Meet your hernia surgeon
- How the repair is chosen
- Open vs. laparoscopic vs. robotic
- Robotic hernia repair
- Mesh, recurrent & complex
- Before surgery
- Recovery
- Risks and complications
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Hernia Repair at a Glance
- What it is
- Tissue pushing through a weak spot in the muscle and connective tissue of the abdominal wall or groin.
- Who treats it
- A general surgeon. Dr. Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- Repair options
- Open, laparoscopic, and robotic repair, most often reinforced with mesh.
- Hospital stay
- Same-day discharge for most uncomplicated repairs; larger abdominal wall repairs may need one night.
- Typical recovery
- Desk work often within about a week; heavy lifting usually restricted for four to six weeks.
- Urgent warning signs
- Sudden severe pain, or a firm, tender bulge that will not go back in, especially with vomiting or fever. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
Hernia Basics
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when fat or a portion of the intestine pushes through a weak spot or opening in the muscle and connective tissue of the abdominal wall. The weakness may be present from birth, develop with age, or form at the site of a previous incision.
Heavy lifting, straining, a chronic cough, pregnancy, and excess weight can make a hernia larger or more noticeable. They do not close the opening, which is why an adult hernia does not go away with rest, exercise, or a support belt. Repair means closing or reinforcing that weak spot.
Hernia Types
Types of Hernias We Treat
From first-time groin hernias to recurrent and complex abdominal wall hernias, Dr. Shakir evaluates and repairs the full range of adult hernias. Not sure what you are feeling? Review the early symptoms of an inguinal hernia or the warning signs of a hernia.
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia develops in the groin and is one of the most common hernias in adults. Patients may notice a groin bulge, heaviness, pressure, burning, or pain with lifting, standing, coughing, or exercise.
Treatment may involve open, laparoscopic, or robotic repair depending on the individual case. Inguinal hernia repair.
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia develops at or around the belly button. Adults may notice a bulge, pressure, pain with lifting, or increasing size over time.
Larger or symptomatic adult umbilical hernias may require surgical repair. Umbilical hernia repair.
Ventral Hernia
A ventral hernia develops through the front abdominal wall. The bulge may become more noticeable during activity, standing, lifting, or straining.
Treatment depends on the size, location, tissue quality, and overall strength of the abdominal wall. Ventral hernia repair.
Incisional Hernia
An incisional hernia occurs at or near a previous abdominal surgery site. Scar tissue can create a weakened area in the abdominal wall.
Incisional hernias can range from small defects to complex abdominal wall problems. Incisional hernia repair.
Recurrent Hernia
A recurrent hernia is a hernia that returns after a previous repair.
These cases may require more detailed planning because previous surgery or mesh can alter anatomy. Recurrent hernia repair.
Want the full picture first? Read our patient guide to understanding hernias and hernia surgery.
Femoral Hernia
A femoral hernia appears just below the groin crease and is more common in women. It can be harder to see than an inguinal hernia.
Femoral hernias carry a higher risk of becoming trapped, so they are usually repaired promptly once diagnosed.
Hernia Symptoms
What Does a Hernia Feel Like?
Hernia symptoms vary with the type and location of the hernia. Learn about burning groin pain, hernias with little or no pain, and when to worry about hernia pain.
- A visible or noticeable bulge
- Pressure
- Pulling
- Burning
- Aching
- Heaviness
- Sharp pain with movement
- Discomfort after standing for long periods
- Pain with coughing, sneezing, or lifting
- Symptoms that improve when lying down
Some hernias are obvious but cause little pain, while others may be uncomfortable even when the bulge is small. A proper surgical examination helps determine whether symptoms are actually caused by a hernia or another abdominal, groin, or musculoskeletal condition.
When to See a Hernia Surgeon
Schedule a surgical consultation if you notice:
- A bulge in the groin, abdomen, or belly button
- Pain or pressure while standing
- Discomfort when lifting or exercising
- Burning or aching in the groin
- Pain with coughing or straining
- A bulge that is becoming larger
- A hernia that is becoming harder to push back in
- Pain around a previous surgical incision
- A previously repaired hernia that has returned
- Symptoms that interfere with work, exercise, or daily activity
When Hernia Symptoms Need Urgent Medical Attention
Seek urgent care if a hernia becomes firm or very painful, turns red or dark, can’t be pushed back in, or comes with nausea, vomiting, fever, swelling, or trouble passing stool or gas. These can signal a trapped or strangulated hernia. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Diagnosis
How Is a Hernia Diagnosed?
Most hernias are diagnosed in the office with a conversation and a physical exam. Dr. Shakir asks when you first noticed the bulge or pain, what makes it worse, and whether you have had abdominal surgery before. He then examines the area while you stand and while you lie down, and may ask you to cough or strain, which often makes a hernia easier to feel.
Imaging is not always needed. When the exam is unclear, the hernia is small, or you have had previous abdominal surgery, an ultrasound or CT scan can confirm the diagnosis, show the size and location of the defect, and help plan the repair. MRI is used less often, mainly for groin pain without a clear bulge. Please bring any imaging reports and prior operative records to your visit. Read more: A CT scan showed a hernia. Do I need surgery?
Conditions That Can Feel Like a Hernia
Not every lump or ache in the groin or abdomen is a hernia. Swollen lymph nodes, a lipoma (a soft fatty lump), a cyst, a groin muscle strain, fluid around the testicle (a hydrocele), and hip problems can cause similar symptoms. A surgical exam usually tells them apart, and imaging can help when it does not. Learn more about why you may have a bulge in your groin.
Timing of Repair
Does Every Hernia Need Surgery?
Adult hernias do not close on their own, because the opening in the abdominal wall remains. That does not mean every hernia needs an operation right away.
A small groin hernia that causes few or no symptoms can often be watched safely, with a plan to repair it if it begins to hurt or grow. Hernias that are painful, enlarging, hard to push back in, or limiting your work or exercise are usually best repaired. Femoral hernias and hernias that have been trapped before are generally repaired sooner because of their higher risk of complications.
The right timing depends on the hernia type, your symptoms, age, activity level, and overall health. Read more about whether hernias go away on their own, whether a hernia will go away, when hernia surgery becomes necessary, and when to see a surgeon for hernia pain.
What can happen if a hernia is not repaired?
- Increasing pain
- A larger bulge
- More limitation during work or exercise
- Difficulty lifting
- Incarceration, when tissue becomes trapped in the hernia
- Bowel obstruction
- Strangulation, when trapped tissue loses its blood supply, a surgical emergency
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Hernia Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Hernia care at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is led by Dr. Murtaza Shakir, who is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
Board certification
American Board of Surgery: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
Medical degree
Aga Khan University
Residency
General Surgery, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Fellowship
Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Surgical practice includes
Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery (2026). Learn more about our general surgery services.
Surgical Evaluation
How Dr. Shakir Chooses the Right Hernia Repair
There is no single best hernia operation. The goal is not simply to close a bulge, but to understand why the hernia developed, choose the repair most likely to last, and help you return safely to normal activity. Dr. Shakir weighs these eight factors before recommending open, laparoscopic, or robotic repair.
Hernia Type
Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric, ventral, incisional, or recurrent. Each behaves differently and favors different techniques. An inguinal hernia and a large incisional hernia are not repaired the same way.
Size and Location
A small first-time groin hernia may be well served by a simple open repair. A wide midline defect or a hernia at the edge of previous mesh usually calls for a minimally invasive repair with mesh placed within the abdominal wall.
First-Time or Recurrent
A hernia that has come back is approached from a different plane than the first repair whenever possible. Prior technique, prior mesh, and scar tissue all change the plan. See recurrent hernia repair.
Prior Surgery and Mesh
Earlier abdominal surgery leaves scar tissue that can make one approach safer than another. Existing mesh may be left in place or removed depending on its condition and position.
Your Anatomy
Body habitus, the thickness of the abdominal wall, the quality of the tissue around the defect, and whether both groins are affected influence whether an open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach is the better fit.
Symptoms
How often the hernia hurts, whether it enlarges, whether it reduces on lying down, whether it has ever become stuck, and whether it limits work or exercise all affect the urgency and type of repair.
Work and Activity
A patient who lifts for a living, an athlete, and a retiree with a sedentary routine may reasonably receive different recommendations for the same hernia, because return-to-activity goals differ.
Overall Health
Age, weight, smoking, diabetes, heart and lung conditions, blood thinners, and the ability to tolerate general anesthesia are weighed against the benefits of each approach. Some patients are better served by open repair under regional anesthesia.
Comparing Techniques
Open vs. Laparoscopic vs. Robotic Hernia Repair
All three techniques repair the hernia and, in most adults, reinforce it with mesh. They differ in where the surgeon works from, how the mesh is placed, and which situations they suit. No method is universally superior; Dr. Shakir performs all three and matches the technique to the hernia.
| Feature | Open | Laparoscopic | Robotic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | One 2 to 4 inch incision | Three small incisions | Three or four small incisions |
| View | Direct, from the front | 2D camera, from inside | 3D camera, from inside |
| Often chosen for | First-time one-sided groin hernias, small umbilical hernias, emergencies | Groin hernias (including both sides), small to medium ventral hernias | Ventral, incisional, recurrent and complex hernias |
| Both sides | Separate incision on each side | Same small incisions | Same small incisions |
| After a prior repair | Preferred after a failed laparoscopic or robotic repair | Suits a prior open repair | Suits a prior open repair; works around old mesh |
| Anesthesia | Regional anesthesia possible | General anesthesia | General anesthesia |
Typical patterns only. No method is best for everyone; Dr. Shakir performs all three and recommends one after your exam.
Wondering which applies to you? A consultation covers your hernia, prior surgery, and health, and ends with a specific recommendation. Read our full robotic vs. open hernia repair comparison, read more on the robotic hernia repair page, or compare laparoscopic vs. open repair.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic Hernia Repair With Dr. Murtaza Shakir
Robotic hernia repair is a minimally invasive operation performed through a few small incisions. Dr. Shakir controls every movement of the instruments from a console in the operating room; the robotic system steadies the instruments, removes tremor, and provides a magnified three-dimensional view of the abdominal wall. Nothing is automated. He uses it for a wide range of hernias when it offers a real advantage for the patient.
Why the robotic approach matters for hernias
Hernia repair is, at its core, precise work in a tight space: freeing the hernia sac, closing the defect, and positioning mesh flat within the layers of the abdominal wall. The wristed instruments and 3D view of the robotic platform are well suited to that work, particularly when suturing a defect closed from inside or placing mesh behind the muscle rather than against the intestine.
For a straightforward one-sided groin hernia, results with laparoscopic repair are comparable, and open repair remains a sound choice for many patients. The robotic approach earns its place in bilateral, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias, and in patients whose prior surgery makes a fresh approach from inside the abdomen safer than reopening an old scar.
What robotic repair looks like for the patient
- Three or four incisions of roughly 8 to 12 mm, placed away from the hernia itself
- General anesthesia; the operation typically takes one to two hours
- Mesh positioned within the abdominal wall and secured with sutures rather than tacks, where appropriate
- Both groins repaired through the same incisions when a hernia is present on each side
- Same-day discharge for most patients; an overnight stay for larger abdominal wall repairs
- Follow-up at the Katy or Sugar Land office
Details of the procedure, candidacy, and recovery are on the robotic hernia repair page.
Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Mesh is placed behind the abdominal wall in the groin, covering the sites of direct, indirect, and femoral hernias in one repair. Often chosen for recurrent groin hernias after a previous open operation. Inguinal hernia repair.
Robotic Bilateral Inguinal Repair
When both groins have a hernia, both can be repaired through the same three or four incisions in a single operation, without a second set of incisions or a second recovery.
Robotic Ventral Repair
For hernias of the front abdominal wall, the defect is sutured closed from inside and mesh is placed within the wall layers, away from the intestine. One of the strongest use cases for the robotic platform. Ventral and incisional repair.
Robotic Umbilical Repair
Suited to larger belly button hernias, heavier patients, and umbilical hernias combined with a separation of the rectus muscles (diastasis), where closure and mesh reinforcement are done together. Umbilical hernia repair.
Robotic Incisional Repair
Hernias at old surgical scars often involve several defects along the incision and dense scar tissue. The robotic view helps map and close each defect and place a wide mesh overlap through small incisions.
Robotic Recurrent Repair
A hernia that returned after open surgery is usually best approached from inside, avoiding the scarred plane of the first repair. Previous mesh is identified and worked around or removed. Recurrent hernia repair.
After Previous Surgery
After a previous open repair, the robotic approach reaches the hernia from a plane the first operation never touched, which is often the safest way to repair a recurrence. After a previous laparoscopic or robotic repair that has failed, an open repair from the front is frequently the better choice. Prior operative reports and, for abdominal wall hernias, a CT scan are reviewed before any recommendation is made.
Who Is a Candidate
Robotic repair requires general anesthesia and inflation of the abdomen, so it is not suitable for every patient. It offers little advantage over a simple open repair for a small, first-time, one-sided hernia, and it is not the approach for a strangulated hernia needing emergency surgery. Very large defects with loss of abdominal wall domain may need a staged open reconstruction. Dr. Shakir will say plainly when a simpler operation would serve you as well.
Planning Your Repair
Mesh, Recurrent & Complex Hernias
What About Hernia Mesh?
Many patients have questions about mesh before hernia surgery. Mesh is a surgical material that may be used to reinforce weakened tissue and reduce tension on the repair.
Whether mesh is appropriate depends on:
- Hernia type
- Hernia size
- Location
- Tissue quality
- Previous repair
- Infection or contamination risk
- Surgical technique
A surgical consultation is the appropriate time to discuss:
- Whether mesh is recommended
- What type may be used
- Where it may be placed
- Potential benefits
- Potential risks
- Alternative approaches
Recurrent & Complex Hernia Repair
A hernia that returns after previous surgery can be more complex than a first-time repair. Dr. Shakir may evaluate:
- Previous mesh
- Scar tissue
- Previous incision
- Previous repair technique
- Size of the recurrent defect
- Strength of the abdominal wall
- Current anatomy
Recurrent and complex hernias often require individualized planning rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Preparing for Surgery
Before Hernia Surgery
Careful preparation makes surgery safer and recovery smoother. Most of it happens at your consultation and in the days before your operation.
What to Expect Before Hernia Surgery
Before surgery, patients may undergo:
- Surgical evaluation
- Physical examination
- Review of previous imaging
- Review of previous surgical records
- Medication review
- Medical clearance when appropriate
- Preoperative testing
- Anesthesia evaluation
- Discussion of repair technique
See our pre-operative care guidance.
What to Tell the Surgical Team
Patients should inform the surgical team about:
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Supplements
- Previous hernia surgery
- Previous abdominal operations
- Allergies
- Heart or lung conditions
Do not stop prescription medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.
After Surgery
Hernia Surgery Recovery
After a minimally invasive repair, most patients go home the same day, walk that evening, and manage discomfort with over-the-counter medication within a few days. Desk work is often possible within about a week and physical work in two to four weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous core exercise are usually restricted for four to six weeks so the repair can heal. Open repairs follow a similar pattern, though some patients notice more incision soreness early on, and larger abdominal wall reconstructions take longer.
Your own timeline depends on:
- Type of hernia
- Hernia size
- Surgical approach
- Whether the repair is recurrent
- Type of work
- Overall health
- Individual healing
For week-by-week detail, see our hernia recovery guide, the recovery timeline after hernia surgery, and our post-operative care instructions.
Patients receive individualized guidance regarding:
- Walking
- Showering
- Incision care
- Lifting
- Driving
- Exercise
- Return to work
- Pain medication
- Follow-up visits
How Soon Can I Lift After Hernia Surgery?
When you can lift again depends on the repair type, the hernia’s size and location, open versus minimally invasive surgery, and your health and the lifting you need to do. Follow the lifting limits Dr. Shakir gives you. See how long after hernia surgery you can work out.
Surgical Risks
Risks and Possible Complications of Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is common and generally safe, but like any surgery it carries some risk, such as infection, fluid buildup, pain or the hernia returning. Schedule a consultation and Dr. Shakir will explain the risks that apply to you.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Hernia Repair?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and treats routine and complex hernias at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic repair, matched to your hernia
- Experience with routine, recurrent and complex hernias
- A plan based on hernia type, size, symptoms and prior surgery
- Clear explanation of options, risks and recovery before surgery
- Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Hernia Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for hernia evaluation and surgery, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Our office can confirm whether your specific plan participates and whether a referral or prior authorization is needed before your visit.
Coverage, network participation, authorization requirements, and your share of the cost vary by plan. You can also review the insurance accepted for surgical care at our practice.
Does the Practice Accept Insurance for Robotic Hernia Repair?
Patients with participating plans can be evaluated for all types of hernia repair, including robotic repair. Whether a robotic, laparoscopic or open approach is recommended is a medical decision made after your evaluation. Benefits for a specific procedure depend on your plan, and authorization requirements may apply, so please contact our office and your insurer to verify benefits before surgery.
Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are only some of the plans we accept. Plan-specific details are on our Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield pages. If your plan is not listed, contact our office and our team will help verify it.
Insurance participation and benefits vary by individual plan. Verification does not guarantee coverage, authorization or payment. Please contact our office and your insurer to verify benefits before treatment.
Our Locations
Two Convenient Fort Bend County Offices
Learn more about our Katy and Sugar Land practices, or view all locations.
Hernia Surgeon in Katy, TX
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Serves: Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Cinco Ranch and West Houston
Hernia Surgeon in Sugar Land, TX
17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Serves: Sugar Land, Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, Fort Bend County and Southwest Houston
Approximate Drive Times
From West Houston (Energy Corridor): about 15 minutes to Katy, or 25 to 30 minutes to Sugar Land.
From North Houston: about 40 to 50 minutes to either office, depending on traffic.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Hernia Repair
What kind of doctor repairs a hernia?
Most abdominal wall and groin hernias are evaluated and treated by a general surgeon. A general surgeon who focuses on hernia repair is often called a hernia specialist or hernia doctor. A surgeon with experience in open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques can help determine the most appropriate repair.
Does a hernia always need surgery?
Not always immediately. Some minimally symptomatic hernias can be monitored depending on the type and individual risk. Adult hernias generally do not close on their own.
Can a hernia heal without surgery?
Adult abdominal wall hernias usually do not repair themselves because the underlying weakness or opening remains.
What type of hernia surgery is best?
There is no single best technique. Open repair suits many first-time groin hernias and patients who should avoid general anesthesia. Laparoscopic and robotic repair suit bilateral, recurrent, and many abdominal wall hernias. The right choice depends on your hernia, your prior surgery, and your health.
Is robotic hernia repair better than laparoscopic repair?
For a straightforward one-sided groin hernia, results with laparoscopic and robotic repair are comparable. The robotic approach offers more advantage in bilateral, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias, where precise suturing and mesh placement inside the abdominal wall matter most.
Is mesh always required?
No. Mesh is commonly used in adult hernia repair, but the decision depends on the type, size, location, tissue quality, and clinical situation.
Can a hernia return after surgery?
Yes. Recurrence can occur after any hernia repair, although risk varies depending on anatomy, technique, tissue quality, previous surgery, smoking, weight, and other factors.
What is a strangulated hernia?
A strangulated hernia occurs when blood flow to trapped tissue becomes compromised. This is a surgical emergency.
How long is recovery after hernia repair?
After an uncomplicated minimally invasive repair, many patients return to desk work in about a week and to physical work in two to four weeks. Heavy lifting is usually restricted for four to six weeks. Larger and recurrent repairs take longer, and Dr. Shakir will give you a timeline for your specific repair.
Does insurance cover hernia surgery?
Insurance coverage for hernia repair depends on the patient’s specific policy, network status, medical necessity, deductibles, authorization requirements and other plan terms. Coverage should be verified with the insurer before surgery.
Sources and references
- Inguinal Hernia, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Hernia, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- International guidelines for groin hernia management, The HerniaSurge Group, Hernia, 2018
- Hernia Repair: Groin, patient education brochure, American College of Surgeons
Reviewed by the Review Team at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas.
Medical Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe abdominal pain or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Hernia Consultation
Noticed a groin or abdominal bulge, recurring hernia pain, or a hernia that is getting larger? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to confirm the diagnosis and learn whether open, laparoscopic or robotic repair fits you. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
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