Spring General Surgery

General Surgeon Serving Spring, TX

Hernia, Gallbladder and Cancer Surgery for Spring Patients, Seen at Our Katy and Sugar Land Offices

A groin bulge that aches by evening, gallbladder attacks after meals, a lump that needs a biopsy, or a new cancer diagnosis all raise one question: do I need an operation? A general surgeon can answer it and explain your options. We do not have an office in Spring, and both of our offices are a real trip from Spring, so this page explains how to plan your visits.

At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. He sees patients at our Katy and Sugar Land offices for hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and wound care, and for breast, colorectal, liver, pancreatic and thyroid cancer surgery. Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery are all offered. New patients from Spring and across Greater Houston are welcome.

Meet the Surgeon

Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and surgical oncologist seeing Spring, TX patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land

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 hernia and gallbladder surgery, appendectomy, reflux and hemorrhoid treatment, skin lesion removal, wound care, and breast, colorectal, liver, pancreatic and thyroid cancer surgery

Patient Reviews

What Patients Say About 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 Spring patients are seen
Planning your visit
General surgery services
Cancer surgery
When to see a surgeon
Office or emergency room?
Does it need surgery?
Meet your surgeon
Your consultation
Surgical approaches
Surgery and recovery
Insurance and referrals
Patient reviews
Why choose us
Insurance
Locations
FAQs
Schedule a consultation

At a Glance

Spring General Surgery at a Glance

Office in Spring?: No. Spring patients are seen at our Katy office (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494) or our Sugar Land office (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479).
Travel: Both offices are a real trip from Spring. Call to confirm your appointment before you leave, and bring all your records.
Hours and phone: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 713-955-9191 to book, reschedule or confirm.
Your surgeon: Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
Conditions treated: Hernias and abdominal wall problems, gallstones and gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, and wounds that will not heal.
Cancer surgery: Breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid and parathyroid cancers, planned together with your other cancer doctors.
Surgical approaches: Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, with minimally invasive surgery used when it is safe and suitable.
Emergencies: Do not travel to our offices. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER for sudden or severe belly pain, a hard hernia bulge that will not go back in, fever with belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, or nonstop vomiting.

Office Locations

Is There a General Surgeon Office in Spring, TX?

No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas has two offices, in Katy and in Sugar Land, and neither is close to Spring. Spring patients travel to one of them for every clinic visit, and we would rather you know that before you book.

Dr. Shakir sees patients at both offices, and the services are the same. Choose the office whose appointment times and route suit you, or ask our staff which one has the first opening that fits your schedule.

Katy Office

410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191

Get directions to the Katy office • Katy office page

Sugar Land Office

17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320
Sugar Land, TX 77479

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191

Get directions to the Sugar Land office • Sugar Land office page

Nearby location pages: Cypress, Houston and all locations.

Before You Travel

How Can Spring Patients Make Each Visit Count?

Plan ahead, because a visit from Spring takes a good part of the day. A few simple steps help Dr. Shakir answer your questions at the first appointment instead of a later one.

If You Have Surgery

Arrange for an adult to drive you home after any procedure with anesthesia or sedation. Ask our staff where your procedure will take place and how many clinic visits to expect, so you can plan travel around your recovery.

Call Before You Leave

Patients coming from outside Katy and Sugar Land are asked to call 713-955-9191 to confirm their appointment before they travel. Confirm the office address too, since the two offices are in different cities.

Gather Your Records

Collect reports from tests done near Spring, such as ultrasound, CT, mammogram, colonoscopy or biopsy results, plus any emergency room discharge papers. Bring images on a disc if you have them.

Fill Out Forms in Advance

Complete the patient forms at home, write down your questions, and check your insurance and referral requirements before the visit.

General Surgery

What General Surgery Services Are Available to Spring Patients?

Spring patients can receive every general surgery service the practice offers, at either office. General surgeons treat conditions of the abdomen, digestive tract, abdominal wall, skin and soft tissue, and each service below has its own detailed page.

Hernia Repair

Groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, repaired with open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery. See hernia repair.

Gallbladder Surgery

Evaluation of gallstones and gallbladder pain, and removal of the gallbladder, usually through small incisions. See gallbladder surgery.

Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Repair of large, complex or repeat hernias, often after earlier abdominal operations. See ventral and incisional hernia repair and repair of a hernia that came back.

Appendicitis

Emergency and elective appendectomy. Possible appendicitis is treated at an emergency room first. See appendicitis surgery.

Reflux Surgery

An operation for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when diet changes and medicine are not enough. See reflux surgery.

Hemorrhoid Treatment

Care for hemorrhoids that bleed, hurt or keep coming back, including surgery when simpler steps fail. See hemorrhoid treatment.

Skin Lesions, Masses and Cysts

Removal of skin masses, cysts and lesions with care to keep the scar small, and testing of tissue when cancer is a concern. See skin lesion and cyst removal.

Wound Care

Treatment for wounds that heal slowly, including diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers and problem surgical wounds. See wound care.

New to the specialty? Start with our general surgery overview.

Surgical Oncology

Can Spring Patients See Dr. Shakir for Cancer Surgery?

Yes. Spring patients with a cancer that may need an operation can book a surgical oncology consultation with Dr. Shakir. Complex General Surgical Oncology is a board specialty centered on the surgical diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including rare and complex cancers. He completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

An operation is often one part of cancer care. Dr. Shakir explains where surgery fits and plans it with your medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and other doctors.

Breast Cancer

Surgical treatment plans, including lumpectomy and mastectomy. Read about breast cancer surgery.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Surgery for cancers of the colon and rectum. Read about colon and rectal cancer.

Liver Cancer

Evaluation of liver tumors and surgery when they can be removed. Read about liver cancer surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer

Surgical evaluation and treatment of pancreatic tumors. Read about pancreatic cancer.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer

Endocrine surgery for cancers of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Read about thyroid and parathyroid cancer.

What a Surgical Oncologist Does

How cancer surgery fits with other treatment. See surgical oncology and the role of a surgical oncologist.

Reasons to Visit

When Should You See a General Surgeon?

See a general surgeon when a symptom, scan or biopsy points to a problem that surgery may treat, or when your doctor asks for a surgical opinion. Some patients arrive with a clear diagnosis. Others have symptoms that come and go, or that have slowly worsened over weeks or months.

Symptoms That Deserve a Surgical Opinion

A bulge in the groin, at the belly button or near an old scar, especially one that grows or aches
Upper right belly pain after eating, sometimes spreading to the back or right shoulder
Heartburn or food coming back up despite daily medicine
Bleeding, pain or a lump around the anus that keeps returning
A lump under the skin that is getting bigger, changing or painful
A sore or surgical wound that is not healing after several weeks

Common Ways Patients Are Referred

Your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist asks for a surgical opinion
An emergency room visit ends with advice to see a surgeon
A scan done for another reason finds gallstones or a hernia
A mammogram, scan or biopsy shows cancer or a suspicious mass
You want a second opinion about a recommended operation

More reading: should I see a surgeon for hernia pain?, gallbladder attack symptoms and choosing the right general surgeon.

Urgent Symptoms

Office Visit or Emergency Room: Where Should You Go First?

Go to the nearest emergency room for anything sudden, severe or quickly getting worse; book an office visit for problems that have built up over days, weeks or months. Our Katy and Sugar Land offices are surgical clinics, not emergency facilities. For a Spring patient, driving to either office during an emergency would only delay care you need right away.

If you are treated at an emergency room near home and told to follow up with a surgeon, call us after you are discharged. Bring your discharge papers and imaging reports to the first visit. Read the ER found gallstones: what next? and when to worry about hernia pain.

Call 911 or Go to the Nearest ER, Not Our Office, If You Have

Do not drive to Katy or Sugar Land for worsening belly pain, a hernia bulge that turns hard and will not go back in, pain moving to the lower right side, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or bloody stool. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Your Options

Does Seeing a Surgeon Mean You Will Need an Operation?

No. The first visit is an evaluation, and Dr. Shakir recommends surgery only when its likely benefit for you outweighs its risks. Monitoring, medicine or lifestyle changes often come first, and some problems never need an operation.

Hernias: they do not heal on their own in adults, but a small hernia with mild symptoms can sometimes be watched.
Gallstones: silent stones usually need no treatment; repeated attacks or inflammation usually point toward gallbladder removal.
Reflux: surgery is considered when diet changes and medicine have not worked.
Hemorrhoids: many flares settle with fiber, fluids and home care.
Skin lumps: lumps that grow or change are removed or tested.
Cancer: the timing of surgery depends on the cancer type and stage.

When a Scan Shows Something Unexpected

Hernias, gallstones and small masses often turn up on scans ordered for something else. Dr. Shakir weighs the report against your symptoms and exam before advising treatment. See a CT scan showed a hernia: do I need surgery? and do gallstones always need surgery?

Your Surgeon

Meet Your General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist

Murtaza Shakir, MD

Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist

General and cancer surgery for Spring 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

Hernia repair
Robotic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Complex abdominal surgery
Gallbladder surgery
Surgical oncology

Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery (2026). Learn more about our general surgery services.

First Visit

What Happens at Your First Consultation?

Your first visit is a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Shakir about what is causing your symptoms and what can be done. Understanding the condition and any planned operation before you decide is one of the most useful parts of the visit.

What to Bring

Photo ID, insurance card and any required referral
Imaging reports and discs, including any from an emergency room visit
Biopsy, pathology, colonoscopy or endoscopy reports
A list of all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
Operative notes from any earlier surgery in the same area
Your written questions

Second opinions are welcome. Overseas patients are asked to contact the office in advance to arrange a detailed consultation.

History and Exam

Dr. Shakir asks about your symptoms, health conditions, medicines and earlier operations, then examines the area of concern.

Review of Your Results

He goes over the imaging, lab, endoscopy and biopsy results you bring, including tests done by your doctors near Spring, and explains what they show.

A Clear Next Step

You leave knowing whether surgery is advised, which approach fits, what recovery involves and whether more testing is needed.

How Surgery Is Done

Which Surgical Approach Is Right for You?

The best approach depends on your condition, anatomy, past operations and general health. Dr. Shakir performs open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery and favors minimally invasive surgery when it is safe and suitable, since it often means less pain and a quicker return to normal activity.

Newer Does Not Always Mean Better

Robotic and laparoscopic surgery share many benefits, and neither suits every patient. Occasionally a minimally invasive operation is converted to open surgery for safety, for example because of heavy scar tissue, and this is discussed beforehand. See robotic vs open hernia repair and robotic vs laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.

Feature	Laparoscopic	Robotic	Open
Incisions	A few small incisions	Minimally invasive method	One larger incision
Instruments	Small camera and thin instruments	Wristed instruments, magnified 3-D view	Through the larger incision
Common uses	Gallbladder, hernia, appendix, reflux	Hernia repair and gallbladder surgery	Small hernias, cancer, emergencies, wall repairs
Recovery	Usually quicker than open	Usually quicker than open	Usually takes longer

Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.

Before and After

What Should Spring Patients Expect Before and After Surgery?

Expect a clear plan before surgery and follow-up visits afterward, with your clinic visits at the Katy or Sugar Land office. Where the procedure itself takes place depends on the operation and your insurance, and our staff tells you the location when surgery is scheduled.

Step by Step

Pre-surgical visit: a careful review of your medical history and condition, and instructions on what to do before surgery.
Your treatment plan: a plain explanation of the procedure and the recovery ahead.
Day of surgery: an adult must drive you home after anesthesia.
Follow-up: visits to check healing, review any pathology results and answer your questions.

Recovering at Home in Spring

Many minimally invasive hernia repairs and gallbladder removals allow you to go home the same day; cancer operations and complex repairs may need a hospital stay. Call our office if an incision becomes red, swollen or starts draining, if you develop a fever, or if your pain medicine stops working. For severe symptoms after surgery, go to the nearest emergency room rather than driving to our office. More in our guides to pre-operative care, post-operative care, pain management and ERAS.

Coverage

Insurance and Referrals for Spring Patients

The practice accepts most major insurance plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Coverage differs from plan to plan, so check your network status and benefits with the office and your insurer before treatment. Some plans, often HMO plans, need a referral from your primary care doctor before your first visit.

Read more about coverage with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. For other plans, see our insurance page or contact the office to check your coverage.

Why Choose Us

Why Spring Patients Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas

Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and sees Spring patients at two offices on the Grand Parkway.

Routine and cancer surgery with the same surgeon
Surgery advised only when it helps, with reasons explained
Open, laparoscopic or robotic, built around your condition
A straight answer: no Spring office, so call before traveling
Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land

Insurance Coverage

Insurance for General and Cancer Surgery

Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for general surgery and cancer surgery consultations and procedures, 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

Get directions

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

View on Google Maps

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 Spring Patients

Do you have an office in Spring, TX?

No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas has no Spring office. Spring patients are seen by Dr. Murtaza Shakir in Katy (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D) or Sugar Land (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320).

Which office should I choose if I live in Spring?

Choose the office whose appointment times and route work best for you. Both offices have the same surgeon and the same services, and our staff can tell you which one has the first suitable opening.

What are your hours, and how do I book an appointment?

The Katy and Sugar Land offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 713-955-9191 or request a consultation online.

What should I do in a surgical emergency if I live in Spring?

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not drive to our Katy or Sugar Land office, which are clinics, not emergency facilities. Call us for follow-up after you are discharged.

How is a surgical oncologist different from a general surgeon?

A general surgeon treats a wide range of abdominal and soft tissue problems, while a surgical oncologist has extra training in cancer operations. Dr. Shakir holds board certification in both specialties.

Which cancers does Dr. Shakir treat with surgery?

He provides surgical care for breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid and parathyroid cancers, in coordination with your other cancer doctors. See surgical oncology.

My ultrasound showed gallstones. Do I need surgery?

Not always. Gallstones that cause no symptoms often need no treatment, while stones that cause attacks usually lead to gallbladder removal. Go to the nearest ER for fever, yellow skin or eyes, or pain that will not ease. Read about gallbladder surgery.

Where will my surgery take place?

That depends on the procedure and your insurance. Our staff tells you the location when surgery is scheduled, and your clinic visits before and after surgery are at the Katy or Sugar Land office.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shakir?

It depends on your insurance. Some plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor, so check with your plan or call our office before booking.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

The practice accepts most major plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Benefits vary, so verify your coverage before treatment. See our insurance page.

Sources and references

Specialty Definitions: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, American Board of Surgery (ABS)
Surgeon Qualifications and Certifications, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
When to Use the Emergency Room: Adult, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Abdominal Pain, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Healthy Sooner: Patient Information for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)

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 sudden or severe abdominal pain, a hernia that is hard or discolored and will not go back in, vomiting blood, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.

Schedule a General Surgery Consultation

Spring patients can see Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office about a pain, bulge, lump or abnormal test result. Both are a real trip from Spring, so please call 713-955-9191 to confirm your appointment before you travel, or request a consultation online. New patients are welcome.

713-955-9191