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Houston Hernia Care
Hernia Surgeon Serving Houston, TX
Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Hernia Repair for Houston Patients, With Offices in Katy and Sugar Land
A bulge in the groin, a swelling at the belly button or a hernia that came back after an earlier repair should be checked by a surgeon. If you live or work in Houston, you can see a board-certified hernia surgeon without a trip to a large medical center. Houston patients are seen at our Katy and Sugar Land offices; the practice has no office inside Houston city limits.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, evaluates and repairs inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias. He uses open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques and chooses the approach for each patient. This page explains where Houston patients are seen, which hernias are treated and what to expect. For the full medical overview, see our main hernia repair page.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and hernia specialist seeing Houston patients 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 repair of inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Their Care
Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Real experiences from patients treated in Katy and Sugar Land.
Jump to a section
- At a glance
- Where Houston patients are seen
- Who to see for a hernia
- Hernias treated
- Office visit or ER?
- A scan showed a hernia
- Meet your surgeon
- Your consultation
- Robotic, laparoscopic or open
- Surgery day and recovery
- Houston areas served
- Insurance and referrals
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Houston Hernia Care at a Glance
- Where you are seen
- There is no office inside Houston city limits. Houston patients are seen in Katy (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494) or Sugar Land (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479).
- Hours and phone
- Both offices: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. One number for both: 713-955-9191.
- Your surgeon
- Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. He sees patients at both offices.
- Hernias treated
- Inguinal (groin), femoral, umbilical, epigastric, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias.
- Repair options
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic repair, chosen for your hernia, any previous surgery and your health.
- Houston areas served
- West Houston, the Energy Corridor, Memorial, Westchase, Alief, southwest Houston and the rest of Greater Houston.
- Go to the ER for
- A hernia that is suddenly painful, hard, red or dark and will not go back in, especially with vomiting, a swollen belly or no gas. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Our Offices
Where Are Houston Hernia Patients Seen?
Houston hernia patients are seen at our Katy or Sugar Land office, because the practice has no office inside Houston city limits. We say this plainly so you can plan your visit. Both offices are on the Grand Parkway, offer the same hernia services and are staffed by the same surgeon, Dr. Shakir.
You choose the office. Most patients pick the one that is easier to reach from home or work, and some pick whichever has the first available appointment. Your consultation, pre-operative visit and follow-up can all stay at the office you choose.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Often the more convenient choice for patients from West Houston, the Energy Corridor and Memorial, as well as Cinco Ranch and Fulshear.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191
Sugar Land Office
17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Often the more convenient choice for patients from southwest Houston, as well as Missouri City, Stafford and Richmond.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191
Directions to the Sugar Land office • Hernia care in Sugar Land
Patients from Westchase, Alief and other parts of west and southwest Houston can use either office. If you are unsure which one suits you, ask our staff when you call. More details are on our locations page.
The Right Specialist
Who Should You See for a Hernia in Houston?
A general surgeon is the specialist who evaluates and repairs hernias. Your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic or an emergency room may be the first to notice one. But only surgery closes the weak spot in the abdominal wall, so the usual next step is a surgical consultation.
Adult hernias do not heal on their own. Some small hernias that cause no symptoms can be watched safely. Others grow, become painful or trap tissue. Dr. Shakir helps you work out which group you are in and when repair makes sense, so you are not left guessing after a quick mention at another visit.
Signs It Is Time for a Surgical Opinion
- A bulge in the groin, abdomen or belly button that appears when you stand or strain
- Aching, burning or heaviness that gets worse by the end of the day
- Pain when lifting, coughing or exercising
- A bulge near an old surgical scar
- A hernia that is getting larger or harder to push back in
- Groin pain without a visible bulge that has not been explained
Still not sure? Read signs you may need a hernia specialist and hernia pain without a visible bulge.
How Houston Patients Usually Reach Us
- A referral from a Houston primary care doctor after a routine exam
- A hernia found during an urgent care or emergency room visit
- A hernia seen on a CT scan or ultrasound done for another reason
- A bulge you noticed yourself, often during exercise or work
- A hernia that came back after a repair somewhere else
- A wish for a second opinion before agreeing to surgery
Conditions Treated
Which Hernias Does Dr. Shakir Repair?
Dr. Shakir treats the full range of adult abdominal wall hernias, from first-time repairs to hernias that have returned after previous surgery. Each type below links to a page with symptoms, repair choices and recovery details.
Inguinal Hernias
The most common type, found in the groin. Many people notice a bulge that comes and goes, or a dragging feeling after standing or lifting. A hernia on each side can often be fixed in one operation. See inguinal hernia repair.
Umbilical Hernias
A swelling at or just around the belly button. Pregnancy, weight gain and a long-standing cough can all play a part. Small ones may be closed with stitches; larger ones usually need mesh. See umbilical hernia repair.
Ventral and Incisional Hernias
A bulge in the front of the abdomen or along a scar from earlier surgery. These hernias tend to enlarge with time, and a CT scan is often useful for planning. See ventral and incisional hernia repair.
Recurrent Hernias
A hernia that has come back after a repair, sometimes years later. Your earlier operative report helps Dr. Shakir choose a route that avoids old scar tissue or mesh. See recurrent hernia repair.
Dr. Shakir also repairs femoral hernias, which sit low in the groin, and epigastric hernias, which appear in the upper abdomen above the belly button. For the full medical background on every type, visit our main hernia repair page.
Know Where to Go
Office Visit or Emergency Room?
Most hernias can wait for an office appointment, but a trapped hernia cannot. A bulge that comes and goes, aches with activity or has grown slowly over months is a reason to call 713-955-9191 and book a consultation in Katy or Sugar Land.
If you have already been seen in a Houston emergency room and were told to follow up with a surgeon, bring your discharge papers and any scan results to your visit. If your hernia is more painful than usual or harder to push back in, but you have none of the warning signs below, mention it when you call. For more guidance, read when to worry about hernia pain and should I see a surgeon for hernia pain?
Signs of a Trapped or Strangulated Hernia
A trapped or strangulated hernia is an emergency. Get care right away if a bulge turns hard, tender or discolored or won’t go back in, or comes with severe pain, vomiting, a swollen belly or fever. Do not drive across town to an office visit. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Imaging Findings
A CT Scan Showed a Hernia. Do You Need Surgery?
Not necessarily. Hernias are often found on a CT scan or ultrasound done for another reason, such as an emergency room visit for abdominal pain. Whether that hernia needs repair depends on its size, what is inside it and whether it matches your symptoms.
Bring the imaging report, and the disc if you have it, to your consultation. Dr. Shakir will examine you, compare the findings with how you feel and explain whether repair is recommended now, can be planned for later or is not needed. Our guide to hernias found on CT explains this in more detail.
Does Every Hernia Need Repair?
Surgery is the only treatment that fixes a hernia, but not every hernia needs an operation right away. Some men with a small groin hernia and few or no symptoms can safely wait, with regular check-ups and clear instructions on what to watch for. Many of them eventually choose repair as symptoms develop.
Repair is usually advised when a hernia hurts, is growing, is hard to push back in or limits your work. Groin hernias in women are also usually repaired. A hernia belt can ease discomfort for some people but does not close the defect. Learn more in do hernias go away on their own? and when is hernia surgery necessary?
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Hernia Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Hernia care for Houston patients 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.
What to Expect
What Does a Hernia Consultation Cover?
Your first visit is designed to answer one question: does this hernia need repair, and if so, how? Whether you choose the Katy or Sugar Land office, the visit follows the same steps.
Bring These to Your Visit
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A referral, if your plan requires one
- Your medicine and allergy list
- Imaging reports and discs, plus emergency room discharge papers if you have them
- Operative reports from any earlier hernia repair
- A written list of questions
You can complete patient forms before you arrive. Our list of questions to ask your hernia surgeon may help you prepare.
Second Opinions Are Welcome
If a surgeon elsewhere in Houston has already recommended an operation, you can schedule a second-opinion visit. Bring the records and imaging you have so Dr. Shakir can review the same information.
A Focused Exam
Dr. Shakir reviews your symptoms, medical history, medicines and past operations. He examines the area while you stand and lie down, since many hernias only show when you are upright or straining.
Review of Your Imaging
Any CT, ultrasound or MRI you have had, including scans from a Houston hospital or emergency room, is reviewed with you. If the diagnosis is unclear, further imaging may be ordered.
A Clear Recommendation
You learn whether to repair now, schedule for later or watch carefully, which approach is recommended and whether mesh is advised. You also hear the expected recovery, time off work and lifting limits.
Insurance and Scheduling
Our staff handles insurance verification and any authorization your plan requires. If you decide on surgery, they help you schedule it and book your follow-up at the office you chose.
Repair Techniques
Robotic, Laparoscopic or Open Repair?
Robotic hernia surgery is not automatically better; it is one of three sound options. The right choice depends on the type and size of the hernia, whether it has been repaired before, the presence of old mesh, your anatomy and your general health. Houston patients have access to all three.
Will Mesh Be Used?
Most adult hernia repairs use mesh because it lowers the chance of the hernia coming back. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone. Dr. Shakir explains whether mesh is recommended for you, what type and where it would sit.
To compare approaches in more depth, read robotic versus open hernia repair and is laparoscopic repair better than open surgery?
| Feature | Robotic Repair | Laparoscopic Repair | Open Repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Dr. Shakir operates instruments from a console | Small incisions, camera and slim instruments | A single incision over the hernia |
| Surgeon’s view | Magnified 3-D view | Camera view | Direct view through the incision |
| Often chosen for | Ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias | Many groin hernias | Many small umbilical hernias |
| Also suits | Repairs where precise mesh placement matters | Hernias on both sides in one operation | Some patients not suited to general anesthesia |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
After Your Repair
How Long Is Recovery After Hernia Surgery?
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within days, but full healing takes longer. Timing depends on the hernia and the technique, so Dr. Shakir gives each patient written instructions. Your operation takes place at a hospital or surgical center chosen for your type of repair and your insurance, and our staff tells you where before surgery day. Large abdominal wall repairs may need a short hospital stay.
Preparing and Healing at Home
Your pre-operative visit and post-operative check take place at the office you chose, so you are not adding trips across Houston. Our pre-operative care and post-operative care guides cover what to do before and after. Call the office for fever, spreading redness or drainage at an incision, or pain your medicine does not control.
For week-by-week detail, see our hernia surgery recovery guide, time off work after hernia surgery and when you can work out again.
First Few Days
Walking is encouraged right away. Soreness is expected and usually improves steadily over the first week.
Returning to Work
Many people with desk jobs return within one to two weeks after a minimally invasive repair. Physical jobs usually need longer, and a work note with restrictions is available.
Lifting and Exercise
Heavy lifting is limited for several weeks while the repair heals. You receive a timeline matched to your job and activities.
Areas Served
Hernia Care for West and Southwest Houston
Many of our Houston patients live or work on the west and southwest sides of the city. The areas below are service areas, not separate offices. Every visit takes place in Katy or Sugar Land.
West Houston and the Energy Corridor
Patients from West Houston and the Energy Corridor often choose the Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S. The Sugar Land office is also available if it suits your schedule better.
Memorial
Patients from the Memorial area are welcome at either office. Many find the Katy office the simpler choice.
Westchase and Alief
Patients from Westchase and Alief can be seen in Katy or Sugar Land. Choose the office that fits your commute or the first available appointment.
Southwest Houston
Patients from southwest Houston often choose the Sugar Land office at 17510 W Grand Pkwy S. Neighbors in Missouri City and Stafford are seen there as well.
Looking for other surgical care in Houston? See our general surgeon for Houston patients and gallbladder surgeon for Houston patients pages.
Coverage Questions
Insurance and Referrals for Houston Hernia Patients
We accept many major insurance plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan, so our staff verifies your benefits and handles any authorization before surgery. Some plans, such as many HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before a surgical visit.
Carrier details: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. For other plans, see our insurance information page and list of accepted plans.
Why Choose Us
Why Houston Patients Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Hernia Repair
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and sees Houston hernia patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Robotic, laparoscopic and open repair, matched to your hernia
- Experience with large incisional and previously repaired hernias
- Honest advice on whether to repair now or watch
- Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- 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.
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.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Serves: Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Cinco Ranch and West Houston
Sugar Land Office
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 From Houston Hernia Patients
Do you have a hernia surgery office in Houston?
No. The practice has no office inside Houston city limits. Houston patients are seen by Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy office (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D) or our Sugar Land office (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320).
Which office should I choose if I live in Houston?
Choose the office that is easier to reach from your home or work. Patients from West Houston, the Energy Corridor and Memorial often use Katy, and patients from southwest Houston often use Sugar Land. Both offices offer the same surgeon and hernia services.
Do I need a referral to see a hernia surgeon?
It depends on your insurance. Many plans allow a surgical consultation without a referral, but some, such as many HMO plans, require one. Our staff can check your plan before your visit.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
No. An adult hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall that does not close on its own. A support garment may ease symptoms, but only surgical repair fixes the hernia. Some small, painless hernias can be monitored instead of repaired right away.
Can I have a hernia without a bulge?
Yes. Small hernias, especially in the groin, can cause pain, burning or pressure before any bulge is visible. An exam and sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan can confirm the diagnosis.
Is robotic hernia surgery better than laparoscopic surgery?
Not for every patient. Robotic repair is especially useful for many ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, while laparoscopic and open repairs remain excellent choices for other hernias. Dr. Shakir recommends the technique that fits your hernia and health.
Will my hernia repair use mesh?
Mesh is used in most adult hernia repairs because it lowers the chance the hernia comes back. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone. Dr. Shakir discusses whether mesh is recommended for your repair.
Will I go home the same day?
Most patients do. Most hernia repairs are outpatient, and patients go home a few hours after surgery. Large abdominal wall repairs may need a short hospital stay.
How long will I be off work after hernia surgery?
Many patients with desk jobs return within one to two weeks after a minimally invasive repair. Jobs that involve heavy lifting usually require a longer break. Dr. Shakir gives you a specific plan based on your repair and your work.
Do you accept my insurance for hernia surgery?
The practice accepts many major plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Coverage varies by plan, so please verify your benefits before surgery. See our insurance information.
Sources and references
- Hernia, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Inguinal Hernia, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery: Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Ventral Hernia Repair Surgery: Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- 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 a hernia that is suddenly painful, hard or discolored and will not go back in, severe abdominal pain, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Hernia Evaluation
Patients from West Houston, the Energy Corridor, Memorial, Westchase, Alief and Southwest Houston can meet Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office to confirm a hernia and choose robotic, laparoscopic or open repair. Call 713-955-9191 or request a consultation online.
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