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Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Robotic Gallbladder Surgery in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Robotic Cholecystectomy: Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Removal
If your gallbladder needs to come out because of gallstones or inflammation, robotic gallbladder surgery is one minimally invasive way to remove it. Also called robotic cholecystectomy, it uses a few small incisions and instruments that the surgeon controls from a console. For most patients, the experience is much like laparoscopic surgery: small scars, usually same-day discharge, and normal activity within one to two weeks.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir performs both robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder removal. He recommends the approach that fits your gallbladder and medical history, not a preference for one platform, and sees patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land. For gallbladder disease and surgery in general, start with our main gallbladder surgery page.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon performing robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder surgery 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 robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder removal, difficult and inflamed gallbladders, and liver, bile duct, and pancreatic 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
- At a glance
- What is robotic gallbladder surgery?
- Why the gallbladder is removed
- Robotic vs. laparoscopic vs. open
- Who is a candidate?
- When laparoscopic is just as appropriate
- Meet your surgeon
- When open surgery is safer
- Before surgery
- Surgery day
- Going home
- Recovery
- Risks and limitations
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Robotic Gallbladder Surgery at a Glance
- What it is
- Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) through small incisions, using instruments the surgeon controls from a robotic console.
- Who performs it
- Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- Who may be a candidate
- Patients who need their gallbladder removed, particularly selected difficult cases such as an inflamed gallbladder, prior upper abdominal surgery, or a higher body-mass index.
- Alternatives
- Laparoscopic removal, which is just as appropriate for many patients, and open surgery when a minimally invasive approach is not safe.
- Operation and stay
- General anesthesia; typically 45 to 90 minutes; most patients go home the same day.
- Typical recovery
- Light activity within days, normal activity in one to two weeks, and no heavy lifting for about two weeks.
- Urgent warning signs
- Abdominal pain lasting several hours, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or persistent vomiting. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
How It Works
What Is Robotic Gallbladder Surgery?
Robotic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive cholecystectomy in which the surgeon operates robotic instruments from a console in the operating room. Its goal is the same as any gallbladder removal: take out the gallbladder so gallstones and inflammation can no longer cause attacks.
The robot does not act on its own. Every movement of the camera and instruments follows Dr. Shakir’s hands, and he stays in the operating room for the entire operation. Nothing is automated.
How the Robotic System Works
After small incisions are made, the abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide to create working space. A high-definition 3D camera and three slim instruments are passed through ports and attached to the robotic arms. From the console, the surgeon sees a magnified three-dimensional view and moves the instruments with hand controls.
- Steadied instruments: the system holds the instruments still and filters out small, unintended hand movements.
- Scaled motion: larger hand movements can be translated into smaller, finer movements at the instrument tips.
- Wristed tips: the instrument tips bend and rotate like a wrist, which straight laparoscopic instruments cannot do.
What Changes From Laparoscopic Surgery, and What Does Not
In laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon stands at the operating table, holds straight instruments, and watches a camera image on a monitor. Robotic surgery changes the instruments and the view, not the operation itself. The same structures are identified and divided, the same safety steps are followed, and the gallbladder comes out the same way. Read more about laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
Reasons for Surgery
Why Would My Gallbladder Need to Be Removed?
The gallbladder is usually removed because gallstones are causing repeated pain or complications. Robotic surgery is one way to perform that operation, not a separate treatment, so the reasons for surgery are the same as for laparoscopic removal:
- Recurring gallbladder attacks caused by gallstones
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
- Gallstones that have moved into the bile duct
- Gallstone pancreatitis
Patients often come to us after recurring upper-right abdominal pain, gallstones found on imaging, a recent ER visit, or a referral from their gastroenterologist or primary care doctor. Gallstones found by chance that have never caused symptoms usually do not need surgery.
Learn more about gallstones and their treatment, typical gallbladder attack symptoms, and whether gallstones always need surgery. If the emergency room found your gallstones, see what to do next.
When Gallbladder Symptoms Need Urgent Care
Seek urgent care if upper abdominal pain lasts several hours or comes with fever, chills, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or vomiting that will not stop. These can signal an infected gallbladder, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Comparing Approaches
Robotic vs. Laparoscopic vs. Open Gallbladder Surgery
Robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder removal are close relatives with similar incisions and recovery, while open surgery is reserved for situations where a minimally invasive operation is not safe. No approach is best for every patient, and the safest operation matters more than the newest equipment.
| Feature | Robotic | Laparoscopic | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Three or four, about 8 to 12 mm | Usually three or four small incisions | One incision of several inches under right ribs |
| Discharge | Same day for most patients | Often the same day | Usually a few days in the hospital |
| Recovery | Normal activity in about one to two weeks | Similar to robotic surgery | Several weeks before full activity |
| Where it fits | Selected difficult gallbladders or prior scarring | Standard approach for most removals | Severe inflammation, bleeding or conversion for safety |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
What the research shows. For a routine gallbladder, robotic and laparoscopic surgery lead to similar incisions, pain, and recovery. Large national studies have reported similar overall complication and readmission rates, but some have found a higher rate of bile duct injury after robotic cholecystectomy. Robotic surgery has not been shown to be safer than laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal. For a deeper comparison, read robotic vs. laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Patient Selection
Who Is a Candidate for Robotic Gallbladder Surgery?
A candidate for robotic gallbladder surgery is someone who needs the gallbladder removed, can safely have general anesthesia, and may have features that make the operation more demanding. The choice is individual. These are the situations in which Dr. Shakir is most likely to consider the robotic approach.
Difficult or Inflamed Gallbladders
Acute or chronic cholecystitis with a thick, scarred wall, a gallbladder packed with stones, or one stuck to the liver and surrounding tissue. The magnified 3D view and wristed instruments can make slow, careful dissection easier in these conditions.
Previous Upper Abdominal Surgery
Scar tissue from earlier operations in the upper abdomen can limit straight laparoscopic instruments. Wristed robotic instruments can be useful when working in a scarred field.
Higher Body-Mass Index
A thick abdominal wall restricts how freely rigid laparoscopic instruments can pivot. Robotic instruments keep their range of motion at the tip, even through a thick abdominal wall.
Complex Biliary Situations
Suspected bile duct stones that may call for imaging of the ducts during surgery, unusual duct anatomy on preoperative scans, or a gallbladder so inflamed that only part of it can be safely removed (a partial, or subtotal, cholecystectomy).
Who is not a candidate. Patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia or inflation of the abdomen with gas are not candidates for robotic or laparoscopic surgery, and their care is planned individually. Fitting one of the situations above also does not mean robotic surgery is required; many of these patients do equally well with laparoscopic removal.
Honest Selection
When Laparoscopic Surgery Is Just as Appropriate
For many patients, standard laparoscopic gallbladder removal is just as appropriate as robotic surgery. Both are minimally invasive, both use small incisions, and both usually allow a same-day or next-day discharge. For a straightforward gallbladder in a healthy patient, robotic surgery offers no measurable advantage, and Dr. Shakir will tell you so.
Either Approach May Fit When
- Gallstones are causing typical attacks
- The gallbladder is not severely inflamed
- You have not had major upper abdominal surgery
- You are healthy enough for general anesthesia
- A straightforward operation is expected
The decision is made at your consultation based on your condition and imaging, not on which technology sounds newer. See laparoscopic gallbladder removal for details of that operation.
Urgent Gallbladder Surgery
When a gallbladder needs to come out urgently, the operation is performed with whichever approach is safest and most readily available at the time. Safety and timing come before the choice of platform.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Robotic Gallbladder Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Robotic gallbladder surgery 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.
Safety First
When Open Surgery Is the Safer Choice
Open surgery is the safer choice when the gallbladder and the structures around it cannot be seen and handled safely through small incisions. Sometimes this is clear before surgery; sometimes it becomes clear only after a robotic or laparoscopic operation has begun.
Reasons a surgeon may change to an open operation include:
- Severe inflammation, infection, or scarring of the gallbladder
- Dense scar tissue from earlier abdominal surgery
- Bleeding that is better controlled through a larger incision
- Anatomy around the bile duct that cannot be identified with confidence
Changing to open surgery is a safety decision, not a failure. In some very inflamed gallbladders, removing only part of the gallbladder is another safe option. An open cholecystectomy uses one incision of several inches under the right ribs, usually means a hospital stay of a few days, and takes several weeks to recover from. Robotic surgery does not remove the possibility of conversion, so it is discussed before every operation.
Preparing for Surgery
Preparing for Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Preparation begins at your consultation, where Dr. Shakir reviews your symptoms, imaging, and blood work and confirms that removing the gallbladder is the right step. You then receive instructions tailored to your health and your planned operation.
- Bring ultrasound, CT, or other imaging reports, lab results, and any ER records.
- List all medications and supplements, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines.
- Tell the team about previous abdominal operations, allergies, and heart or lung conditions.
- Follow fasting and medication instructions exactly, and do not stop a prescription medicine unless you are told to.
- Arrange for an adult to drive you home after surgery.
General preparation steps are explained in our pre-operative care guide.
Surgery Day
What Happens During Robotic Gallbladder Surgery?
Robotic gallbladder removal is done under general anesthesia and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. You are asleep for the whole operation.
- You check in at the surgical center or hospital after following your fasting and medication instructions.
- General anesthesia is given.
- Three or four small incisions of about 8 to 12 mm are made, one usually at the navel, and the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide.
- The camera and instruments are placed, and Dr. Shakir moves to the console.
- The cystic duct and cystic artery, the gallbladder’s drainage tube and blood supply, are clearly identified before they are sealed and divided.
- The gallbladder is freed from the liver, placed in a retrieval bag, and removed through one of the incisions.
- The gas is released, and the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures under the skin and skin glue or small dressings.
When a bile duct stone is suspected, X-ray imaging of the bile ducts may be done during the operation. Read more about how long gallbladder surgery takes.
Discharge
Going Home After Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Most patients having planned robotic gallbladder removal for symptomatic gallstones go home the same day, usually within a few hours, once they are awake, comfortable, and drinking fluids. An overnight stay is more likely if the gallbladder was acutely inflamed, the operation was more complex, or other medical conditions need monitoring.
Before you leave, you receive instructions on pain control, diet, incision care, activity, and when to call. You will need an adult to drive you home. General guidance is on our post-operative care page.
After Surgery
Recovery After Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Recovery after robotic gallbladder surgery is very similar to recovery after laparoscopic surgery: light activity within days and normal activity for most people within one to two weeks. Your own pace depends on how inflamed the gallbladder was, your overall health, and the kind of work you do.
The First 48 Hours
Soreness at the incisions, a bloated feeling, and shoulder-tip pain from the gas are common and settle quickly. Walk as soon as you feel able. Showering is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours.
The First Week
Most patients stop prescription pain medicine within a couple of days and manage with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, if those are safe for them. Start with smaller, lower-fat meals and advance as tolerated. Desk work is often possible within three to five days. Do not drive while taking opioid pain medicine.
Weeks Two to Four
Most people return to their usual diet and activities. Lifting more than about 15 pounds and strenuous exercise are usually restricted for about two weeks after a routine operation, and sometimes longer after a difficult one.
For a detailed timeline, see the gallbladder removal recovery guide and recovery time after gallbladder removal. For meal ideas, see foods to eat after gallbladder removal and a sample post-gallbladder surgery diet menu.
When to Call After Surgery
Call the office at 713-955-9191 for fever, pain that keeps getting worse or is not controlled by medication, yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting that keeps you from drinking, increasing swelling of the abdomen, or redness or drainage at an incision. For trouble breathing, chest pain, or another emergency, call 911.
Risks and Limitations
Risks and Limitations of Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Robotic gallbladder surgery carries the same risks as any gallbladder removal. These complications are uncommon with minimally invasive surgery, and Dr. Shakir reviews the ones that apply to you before surgery:
- Bleeding
- Infection at an incision or inside the abdomen
- Bile leak
- Injury to the bile duct, which is rare but serious
- Injury to the intestine or nearby blood vessels
- A stone left in the bile duct, or pancreatitis
- A hernia at an incision site
- Blood clots and reactions to anesthesia
- Conversion to open surgery when continuing minimally invasively is not safe
What Robotic Surgery Does Not Change
Robotic surgery does not eliminate these risks, and research has not shown it to be safer than laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder removal. It does not shorten recovery for a routine gallbladder, and it does not change what you can eat afterward. Where it can earn its place is in selected difficult gallbladders, when the surgeon judges that the added view and instrument control will help.
Life After Gallbladder Removal
Most people digest food normally once they recover, because the liver keeps making bile after the gallbladder is gone. Some notice looser or more frequent stools for a while, which usually improve with time. Learn about the long-term effects of gallbladder removal and post-cholecystectomy syndrome.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Robotic Gallbladder Surgery?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and offers robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder removal at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Robotic and laparoscopic options, matched to your gallbladder
- Fellowship training in liver, bile duct and pancreatic surgery
- Robotic surgery recommended only when it is expected to help
- Plain-language plan for approach, risks and recovery
- Consultations and follow-up in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder 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 About Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
Is robotic gallbladder surgery better than laparoscopic?
Not for a routine gallbladder. Recovery and overall results are similar, and robotic surgery has not been shown to be safer. It may be considered for selected difficult cases, such as a severely inflamed or scarred gallbladder, prior upper abdominal surgery, or a higher body-mass index.
Does the robot perform the surgery?
No. The surgeon controls every movement of the camera and instruments from a console in the operating room. The system steadies the instruments and provides a magnified 3D view, but nothing is automated.
How long does robotic gallbladder surgery take?
The operation itself typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Check-in, anesthesia, and time in the recovery room add several hours to your day.
Can I go home the same day?
Most patients do. An overnight stay is more likely if the gallbladder was acutely inflamed, the operation was complex, or another medical condition needs monitoring.
How long is recovery after robotic gallbladder surgery?
Most people return to light activity within days and to normal activity and diet within one to two weeks, with lifting limits of about two weeks. Recovery is similar to laparoscopic surgery. See our gallbladder removal recovery guide.
When can I go back to work?
Desk work is often possible within three to five days. Jobs that involve lifting or strenuous activity usually wait until the lifting restriction ends, about two weeks after a routine operation and sometimes longer after a difficult one.
What are the risks of robotic gallbladder surgery?
The same as for any gallbladder removal: bleeding, infection, bile leak, bile duct injury, injury to nearby organs, and possible conversion to open surgery. These are uncommon and are discussed at your consultation.
Will I need to change my diet after surgery?
Most people eat normally within a few weeks. Smaller, lower-fat meals are easier at first. See our recovery guide and foods after gallbladder removal.
Does insurance cover robotic gallbladder surgery?
Medically necessary gallbladder removal is generally covered, and coverage does not usually depend on whether the operation is robotic or laparoscopic. Benefits vary by plan, so our office helps verify your coverage before scheduling. See our insurance information.
What kind of surgeon performs robotic gallbladder surgery?
A general surgeon trained in minimally invasive and robotic techniques. Read more about what kind of surgeon removes a gallbladder.
Sources and references
- Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Treatment for Gallstones, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Laparoscopic gallbladder removal, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Risk of Bile Duct Injury Is Significantly Higher in Robotic Cholecystectomy versus Laparoscopic, 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 severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, problems after surgery, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Robotic Gallbladder Surgery Consultation
Told your gallbladder needs to come out and wondering whether robotic surgery is right for you? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to learn whether robotic or laparoscopic removal fits, and bring your imaging, lab results and any ER records. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now