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Richmond and Fulshear
Hernia & Gallbladder Surgery for Richmond and Fulshear Patients
Board-Certified Hernia and Gallbladder Care at Our Katy and Sugar Land Offices
A groin bulge that aches by the end of the day and upper belly pain that flares after a meal are two of the most common reasons adults see a general surgeon. If you live in Richmond, Fulshear or elsewhere in western Fort Bend County, the same board-certified surgeon can evaluate either problem. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas does not have an office in Richmond or Fulshear; patients are seen at our Katy and Sugar Land offices.
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, repairs hernias and removes gallbladders using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques when appropriate. This page explains which office may suit you, what is treated, when to seek emergency care and how a visit works. For the full medical detail, see our main hernia repair and gallbladder surgery pages.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon for hernia and gallbladder care, seeing Richmond and Fulshear 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 hernia repair and laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder removal
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
- At a glance
- Where you are seen
- What we treat
- Signs of a hernia
- Signs of a gallbladder problem
- Office visit or ER?
- Does it need surgery?
- Meet your surgeon
- How a consultation works
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic
- Surgery day and recovery
- Communities we serve
- Insurance and referrals
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Richmond and Fulshear Hernia and Gallbladder Care at a Glance
- Where you are seen
- There is no office in Richmond or Fulshear. 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.
- Hernia care
- Inguinal (groin), umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, repaired with open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
- Gallbladder care
- Gallstones, gallbladder attacks and cholecystitis, with laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder removal when surgery is advised.
- Communities served
- Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Pecan Grove, Cross Creek Ranch, Weston Lakes, Greatwood, Sienna and the rest of western Fort Bend County.
- Go to the ER for
- A hernia that is suddenly painful, hard or discolored and will not go back in, or belly pain lasting hours with fever, vomiting or yellow skin or eyes. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Our Offices
Where Are Richmond and Fulshear Patients Seen?
Richmond and Fulshear patients are seen at our Katy or Sugar Land office, because the practice does not have an office in either community. Both offices are on the Grand Parkway, offer the same hernia and gallbladder services and are staffed by the same surgeon, Dr. Shakir.
You choose the office: the one easier to reach from home or work, or whichever has the first available appointment. Visits can stay at one office or move between them.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Often the more convenient choice for patients from Fulshear, Cross Creek Ranch, Weston Lakes, northern Richmond and Pecan Grove.
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 central Richmond, Rosenberg, Greatwood and Sienna.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191
Directions to the Sugar Land office • Sugar Land office details
Both buildings have free parking. If you are not sure which office suits your address, ask our staff when you call. More details are on our locations page.
Services
Which Hernia and Gallbladder Problems Are Treated?
Dr. Shakir evaluates and treats adult hernias and gallbladder disease, the two problems Richmond and Fulshear patients most often ask about. Each summary links to a detailed page.
Hernia Repair
Inguinal (groin), umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, repaired with open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery depending on the hernia and the patient. Femoral hernias are also evaluated. Most repairs are outpatient.
Hernia repair overview • Inguinal • Umbilical • Ventral and incisional • Recurrent
Gallbladder Surgery
Evaluation of gallstones, gallbladder attacks and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), and laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) when surgery is advised. Most patients go home the same day.
Gallbladder surgery overview • Gallstones • Laparoscopic removal • Robotic removal
Dr. Shakir also treats appendicitis, hemorrhoids, skin lesions, masses and cysts and acid reflux that needs surgery, and he performs surgical oncology for abdominal cancers. See all general surgery services.
Hernia Symptoms
What Are the Signs of a Hernia?
The most common sign of a hernia is a bulge in the groin, at the belly button or near an old scar that appears when you stand or strain and flattens when you lie down. A hernia forms when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Many people also feel aching, burning or heaviness that gets worse with lifting, coughing or a long day on their feet.
- A groin bulge that comes and goes
- A swelling at or near the belly button, often after pregnancy or weight change
- A bulge along a scar from earlier abdominal surgery
- Groin pain or pressure without a visible bulge
- A bulge or pain after a previous hernia repair
Small groin hernias can cause pain before any bulge shows. If that sounds familiar, read hernia pain without a visible bulge, why do I have a bulge in my groin? and inguinal hernia symptoms in women.
Gallbladder Symptoms
What Does a Gallbladder Problem Feel Like?
A gallbladder attack usually feels like steady pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, often after a meal, lasting from several minutes to a few hours. It is most often caused by a gallstone blocking the flow of bile out of the gallbladder. The pain may spread to the back or the right shoulder blade, and nausea or vomiting is common.
- Pain under the right ribs or in the upper middle belly, often after eating
- Pain that travels to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea or vomiting during an episode
- Repeated attacks over weeks or months
- Gallstones found on an ultrasound, sometimes during an emergency room visit
Learn more about gallbladder attack symptoms, gallbladder pain after eating, gallstones and back or shoulder pain and biliary dyskinesia, a condition in which the gallbladder does not empty well. If an emergency room found gallstones, read the ER found gallstones: what next?
Know Where to Go
Office Visit or Emergency Room?
Most hernias and many gallbladder problems can wait for an office appointment, but some symptoms cannot. A hernia that comes and goes, or a gallbladder attack that has fully settled, is a reason to call 713-955-9191 and book a consultation in Katy or Sugar Land. If your symptoms are getting worse but you have none of the warning signs below, mention it when you call.
Both offices are surgical clinics, not emergency rooms. For more guidance, read when to worry about hernia pain and symptoms of acute cholecystitis.
Get Emergency Care Right Away for These Signs
Get emergency care for a hernia that suddenly turns hard, very tender or discolored or will not go back in, or for belly pain lasting hours with fever, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or vomiting that does not stop. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Timing of Surgery
Do Hernias and Gallstones Always Need Surgery?
No, not always, and not always right away. The answer depends on your symptoms, what the examination and imaging show, and your overall health. Dr. Shakir explains when watching is reasonable and when surgery is the safer choice.
Hernias
Surgery is the only treatment that repairs a hernia, because an adult hernia does not heal on its own. Some men with a small groin hernia that causes few or no symptoms can safely wait, with check-ups and clear instructions on what to watch for. Repair is usually advised when a hernia is painful, growing, hard to push back in or limiting your work. A hernia belt may ease discomfort but does not close the weak spot. Read do hernias go away on their own? and when is hernia surgery necessary?
Gallstones
Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need treatment. Many are found by chance on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason. Once gallstones cause attacks or complications such as cholecystitis, gallbladder removal is usually recommended. Changing what you eat may help you avoid triggers, but it does not remove the stones. Read do gallstones always need surgery?
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Hernia and Gallbladder Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Hernia and gallbladder care for Richmond and Fulshear 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.
How It Works
How Does a Consultation Work for Richmond and Fulshear Patients?
A consultation follows four steps, from your first call to follow-up, and none of them requires a trip into central Houston. The first visit usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and most patients leave with a diagnosis and a plan.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- Your referral, if your plan requires one
- A list of your medicines, supplements and allergies
- Ultrasound, CT or other imaging reports, and the disc if you have it
- Emergency room discharge papers and recent blood test results
- Operative reports from any previous hernia repair or abdominal surgery
- Your questions, written down
You can complete patient forms before you arrive. Our list of questions to ask your hernia surgeon can help you prepare.
Second Opinions
If another surgeon has recommended hernia or gallbladder surgery, you can book a second-opinion visit at either office. Bring your imaging and visit notes.
1. Call or Request Online
Call 713-955-9191 or use the contact form. Tell our staff where you live and what is bothering you. They can suggest the closer office and check your insurance benefits.
2. Your Visit in Katy or Sugar Land
Dr. Shakir reviews your symptoms, health, medicines and past operations, then examines you. For a hernia, he checks while you stand, lie down and cough. For a gallbladder problem, he reviews your ultrasound, blood tests and any emergency room records.
3. Testing Closer to Home
If you need an ultrasound, CT scan or blood work, it can often be arranged at an imaging center or lab nearer to Richmond or Fulshear. Results are sent to the office and reviewed with you.
4. Surgery and Follow-Up
If you choose surgery, our staff helps schedule it, reviews your pre-operative instructions and books your follow-up at whichever office is more convenient.
Surgical Options
Open, Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery?
Richmond and Fulshear patients have access to open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and the choice is based on your condition rather than a preference for one method. Robotic surgery is offered when it provides a real advantage, not by default.
Mesh, and Switching to an Open Operation
Most adult hernia repairs use mesh to reinforce the weak spot and lower the chance of the hernia coming back. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone. During a minimally invasive gallbladder operation, the surgeon may switch to an open incision if that is safer; this is a safety decision, not a complication.
To compare approaches, read laparoscopic versus open hernia repair, robotic versus open hernia repair and robotic versus laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
| Feature | Laparoscopic | Robotic | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | Small incisions, camera and slim instruments | Console control with magnified 3-D view | One larger incision |
| Hernias | Many groin hernias, including both sides | Ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias | Small umbilical, some first-time groin |
| Gallbladder | Standard for most removals | Selected gallbladder operations | When minimally invasive is not safe |
| Typical role | Well-established standard approach | Used when it offers an advantage | Sound choice or safety option |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
Surgery and Recovery
Where Is Surgery Done, and What Is Recovery Like?
Your clinic visits take place in Katy or Sugar Land, and the operation is performed at a hospital or surgical center chosen for your type of surgery and your insurance. Our staff tells you where before surgery day. Most hernia repairs and most uncomplicated gallbladder removals are outpatient, so many patients go home a few hours after surgery.
After Hernia Repair
- First few days: soreness that improves steadily; short walks are encouraged
- Desk work: often within one to two weeks after a minimally invasive repair
- Physical work: usually longer, with a timeline set for your job
- Heavy lifting: limited for several weeks while the repair heals
Large ventral or incisional repairs take longer and may need a short hospital stay. See our hernia recovery timeline and time off work after hernia surgery.
After Gallbladder Removal
Most people return to normal activities in about a week after laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Recovery after open surgery takes longer. Some people notice looser or more frequent stools for a while, which usually settles with time. See gallbladder removal recovery, foods to eat after gallbladder removal and long-term effects of gallbladder removal.
Before and After Surgery
Your pre-operative visit and post-operative check take place at the office you chose. Our pre-operative care and post-operative care guides explain how to prepare and what to watch for at home. Call the office for fever, spreading redness or drainage at an incision, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain your medicine does not control.
Areas Served
Hernia and Gallbladder Care Across Western Fort Bend County
These are service areas, not separate offices. Every visit takes place in Katy or Sugar Land, and patients from any community can use either office.
Fulshear, Cross Creek Ranch and Weston Lakes
Patients from these communities often choose the Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S. See our Fulshear patients page.
Richmond and Pecan Grove
Patients from northern Richmond and Pecan Grove often choose Katy, while central Richmond is often closer to Sugar Land. See our Richmond patients page.
Rosenberg
Patients from Rosenberg often find the Sugar Land office at 17510 W Grand Pkwy S more convenient. See our Rosenberg patients page.
Greatwood, Sienna and Southern Fort Bend
Patients from Greatwood, Sienna and southern Fort Bend County usually choose the Sugar Land office.
Looking for a single-topic page? See hernia care in Katy, hernia care in Sugar Land, gallbladder care in Katy and gallbladder care in Sugar Land.
Coverage Questions
Insurance and Referrals for Richmond and Fulshear Patients
The practice accepts 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 before your visit and handles any authorization your plan requires before surgery. Most plans do not require a referral for a surgical consultation, but some, such as many HMO plans, do.
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 Richmond and Fulshear Patients Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and treats hernia and gallbladder problems for Richmond and Fulshear patients.
- One surgeon to sort out hernia, gallbladder or other causes
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic options, matched to your problem
- Visits can move between offices when that is easier
- Straight answers on when watching is safe
- Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Hernia and Gallbladder Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for hernia and gallbladder 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 Richmond and Fulshear Patients
Is there a Surgical Associates of Southern Texas office in Richmond or Fulshear?
No. The practice has two offices: Katy (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494) and Sugar Land (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479). Richmond and Fulshear patients are seen by Dr. Murtaza Shakir at either one.
Which office should I use if I live in Fulshear?
Many Fulshear, Cross Creek Ranch and Weston Lakes patients choose the Katy office. The Sugar Land office is also available, so pick whichever is easier from your home or work.
Which office should I use if I live in Richmond or Rosenberg?
Patients from northern Richmond and Pecan Grove often choose Katy, while patients from central Richmond, Rosenberg, Greatwood and Sienna often choose Sugar Land. Either office is fine, and our staff can help you decide when you call.
Do I need a referral?
Most plans do not require a referral for a surgical consultation, but some, such as many HMO plans, do. Our staff verifies your benefits and referral requirements before your visit.
Should I call the office or go to the ER?
Call the office for a hernia that comes and goes or a gallbladder attack that has settled. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for a hernia that is suddenly painful, hard or discolored and will not go back in, or belly pain lasting hours with fever, vomiting or yellow skin or eyes.
Do gallstones always need to be removed?
No. Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not need treatment. Gallbladder removal is usually recommended once gallstones cause attacks or complications such as cholecystitis.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
No. An adult hernia is a weak spot in the abdominal wall that does not close on its own. Some small hernias with few symptoms can be watched, but only surgery repairs a hernia.
Does Dr. Shakir offer robotic surgery?
Yes, for hernia repair and gallbladder removal when it offers an advantage for the patient. Laparoscopic and open surgery are also performed, and the approach is chosen for your condition.
Will I go home the same day?
Most patients do. Most hernia repairs and most uncomplicated laparoscopic gallbladder removals are outpatient. Large abdominal wall repairs and some complicated gallbladder cases may need a hospital stay.
Does the practice accept my insurance?
The practice accepts many major plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Coverage varies by plan, so call 713-955-9191 to verify, or see our insurance information.
Sources and references
- Hernia, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Adult Inguinal and Femoral Groin Hernia Repair, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- Cholecystectomy, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
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 or prolonged abdominal pain, fever with abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Consultation From Richmond or Fulshear
Live in Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear or a nearby community such as Pecan Grove, Cross Creek Ranch or Sienna, and have a hernia or gallbladder problem? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office, whichever is easier for you. Call 713-955-9191 or request a consultation online.
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