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Physician Profile
Murtaza Shakir, MD – Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
General and Cancer Surgery in Katy and Sugar Land
A hernia, a gallbladder attack, or a new cancer diagnosis can leave you with many questions about surgery. Choosing your surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. You want someone who is well trained, explains your options clearly, and is easy to reach.
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. He treats hernias, gallbladder disease, and cancers of the colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas, using open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. He sees patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land, serving Fort Bend County and Greater Houston.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and surgical oncologist 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 and gallbladder surgery, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, and surgery for colon, rectal, liver, and pancreatic cancer
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
- About Dr. Shakir
- Board certifications
- Education and training
- Recognition and NPI
- Conditions treated
- Cancer surgery
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- When to see a surgeon
- Meet your surgeon
- Approach to care
- Your first visit
- Offices and patients served
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Dr. Shakir at a Glance
- Who he is
- Murtaza Shakir, MD, a general surgeon and surgical oncologist at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas.
- Board certification
- American Board of Surgery: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- Training
- Medical degree from Aga Khan University, five years of general surgery residency, and a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
- Recognition
- Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery, 2026. Rated 4.9 stars on Google.
- NPI number
- 1063602399, listed in the federal NPI Registry.
- What he treats
- Hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, wounds, and breast, colon, rectal, liver, pancreatic, thyroid, and parathyroid cancers.
- Surgical approaches
- Open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery, chosen for each patient.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
About Dr. Shakir
Who Is Dr. Murtaza Shakir?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist who cares for adults in Katy, Sugar Land, and the surrounding communities. His practice covers common general surgery problems as well as cancer surgery.
As a general surgeon, he treats conditions such as gallbladder disease and hernias, including complex abdominal wall reconstruction. As a surgical oncologist, he treats cancers of the colon, rectum, liver, and pancreas, among others. He performs open, laparoscopic, and robotic operations and chooses the approach that fits each patient.
His fellowship training in surgical oncology shapes how he approaches complex abdominal surgery. It also informs his work on common operations such as hernia repair and gallbladder removal.
Outside the operating room, Dr. Shakir enjoys spending time with his family and playing sports, including cricket and squash.
Board Certification
Board Certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
Dr. Shakir holds two board certifications from the American Board of Surgery (ABS): General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. Board certification shows that a surgeon has completed accredited training and passed the board’s examinations in that specialty.
How to Check a Surgeon's Certification
You can confirm any surgeon’s board certification yourself. The American Board of Surgery offers a free public lookup, and the American College of Surgeons recommends checking certification when you choose a surgeon. Both resources are listed in the references at the end of this page.
General Surgery
The ABS describes general surgeons as experts in diseases of the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin, and blood vessels. Common conditions include hernias, gallstones, appendicitis, and colon cancer. General surgery residency lasts at least five years.
Complex General Surgical Oncology
This certification recognizes expertise in the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with cancer, including rare or complex cancers. Surgeons must first be certified in general surgery, complete an accredited surgical oncology fellowship, and pass two board examinations.
Education and Training
Dr. Shakir's Education and Surgical Training
Dr. Shakir trained first in general surgery and then completed advanced fellowship training in cancer surgery.
- Medical degree: Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Residency: five years of general surgery training
- Fellowship: two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
- Board certification: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, American Board of Surgery
A surgical oncology fellowship builds on general surgery training with focused experience in cancer operations and in planning surgery with medical and radiation oncologists. Learn more about what a surgical oncologist does.
Recognition
Recognition and Public Credentials
Houstonia Magazine, Top Doctors 2026
Dr. Murtaza Shakir has been ranked as one of the top doctors of General Surgery in Houston, as per Houstonia
Dr. Shakir was named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery for 2026. You can also review his credentials in public records.
Houstonia Top Doctors 2026
Houstonia Magazine included Dr. Shakir in the General Surgery category of its Top Doctors 2026 list. The magazine says the list is based on a survey of peers. See the Houstonia listing.
NPI 1063602399
Every U.S. health care provider who bills insurance has a National Provider Identifier (NPI). Dr. Shakir’s record lists surgical oncology and surgery as his specialties and a Texas medical license. View his NPI Registry record.
Patient Reviews
Patients rate the practice 4.9 stars on Google. Many reviews mention clear explanations before surgery and a smooth experience from consultation to follow-up. Read patient reviews.
General Surgery
General Surgery Conditions Dr. Shakir Treats
Dr. Shakir evaluates and treats a wide range of general surgery problems. Each service below has its own page with details on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. See all general surgery services.
Hernia Repair
Inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias, including complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Hernia repair surgery.
Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstones, gallbladder attacks, and gallbladder inflammation, usually treated with laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder removal. Gallbladder surgery.
Appendicitis
Evaluation of right-sided belly pain and surgery to remove an inflamed appendix. Appendicitis surgery.
Reflux Surgery
Surgical options for chronic acid reflux (GERD) that is not controlled by medication and lifestyle changes. Reflux surgery.
Hemorrhoids
Evaluation and treatment of hemorrhoids that keep causing bleeding, pain, or swelling. Hemorrhoid treatment.
Skin Lesions, Masses and Cysts
Evaluation and removal of skin growths, cysts, lipomas, and other lumps under the skin. Skin lesion and cyst removal.
Wound Care
Care for wounds that are slow to heal, including diabetic ulcers, chronic wounds, and wounds after surgery. Wound care.
Surgical Oncology
Cancers Dr. Shakir Treats
As a board-certified surgical oncologist, Dr. Shakir uses surgery to diagnose, stage, and remove solid tumors. He plans the timing of surgery with your other cancer doctors. Learn more about surgical oncology at the practice.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Surgery for colon and rectal cancer and for polyps that cannot be removed during colonoscopy. Colon cancer care.
Liver Cancer
Evaluation of liver tumors and whether they can be safely removed with surgery. Liver cancer care.
Pancreatic Cancer
Review of pancreatic masses and assessment of whether surgery is possible now or after other treatment. Pancreatic cancer care.
Breast Cancer
Evaluation of breast lumps and abnormal mammograms, and surgical planning for breast cancer. Breast cancer care.
Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer
Evaluation of thyroid nodules and parathyroid problems, and surgery when it is needed. Thyroid and parathyroid care.
Skin Cancer and Soft Tissue Masses
Biopsy and removal of suspicious moles, skin cancers, and soft tissue masses. Skin lesions and masses.
Surgical Approaches
Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery
Dr. Shakir performs open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery and recommends the approach that best fits your condition and health. Robotic surgery is not used automatically. Each technique has situations where it works best.
- Open surgery uses one incision over the problem area. It is often the right choice for small first-time hernias, emergencies, and patients who cannot have general anesthesia.
- Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and long instruments through a few small incisions.
- Robotic surgery is also done through small incisions. The surgeon controls every movement of the instruments from a console, with a magnified three-dimensional view.
Robotic Hernia Surgery Experience
Hernia repair is a core part of Dr. Shakir’s practice, and robotic repair is one of the approaches he uses most often. He bases each recommendation on the hernia type, size, and location, whether it is a first-time or recurrent hernia, any previous operations and mesh, your anatomy and overall health, and your work and activity demands.
Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair
Groin hernias repaired through three or four small incisions, with mesh placed behind the abdominal wall. Robotic inguinal repair and recovery.
Robotic Bilateral Inguinal Repair
Hernias in both groins repaired in one operation through the same incisions, with a single anesthetic and a single recovery. Inguinal hernia repair.
Robotic Ventral Hernia Repair
Abdominal wall hernias with the defect sutured closed and mesh placed within the wall layers. Robotic ventral repair.
Robotic Incisional Hernia Repair
Hernias at previous surgical scars, including multiple defects along one incision. Ventral and incisional hernia repair.
Robotic Recurrent Hernia Repair
Hernias that have returned after an earlier repair, approached from a plane the first operation did not use. Recurrent hernia repair.
Open and Laparoscopic Repair
Both remain essential. Open repair suits many small first-time hernias and emergencies; laparoscopic repair suits many groin and ventral hernias. All hernia repair services.
The same approach applies to gallbladder surgery and other operations. Read more about robotic hernia repair and robotic vs. laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Getting Care
When Should You See a General Surgeon?
You should see a general surgeon when a symptom, exam, or test points to a problem that surgery may help diagnose or treat. Many patients are referred by a primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, or oncologist. Common reasons include:
- A bulge or aching in the groin, belly button, or near an old incision
- Pain in the upper right belly after meals, or gallstones found on an ultrasound
- A mass or abnormal finding on a CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, or mammogram
- A biopsy that shows cancer
- A colon polyp that could not be removed during colonoscopy
- A lump in the breast, neck, or under the skin that is new or growing
- Acid reflux that continues despite medication
- Hemorrhoids that keep bleeding or causing pain
- A wound that is not healing
Not every problem needs an operation. Part of a consultation is learning when watchful waiting, medication, or another specialist is the better next step. Read more about choosing the right general surgeon.
When to Get Emergency Care
Seek emergency care for sudden or severe belly pain, lower right belly pain with fever or vomiting, a firm or discolored hernia bulge, repeated vomiting with a swollen belly, vomiting blood, black stools, or yellow eyes with fever. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Your Surgeon
Dr. Shakir's Credentials in Brief
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Care at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas is led by Dr. Murtaza Shakir, who is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
Board certification
American Board of Surgery: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology
Medical degree
Aga Khan University
Residency
General Surgery, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Fellowship
Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Surgical practice includes
Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery (2026). Learn more about our general surgery services.
Approach to Care
Dr. Shakir's Approach to Patient Care
Good surgical care begins with listening closely and understanding each patient’s concerns. Dr. Shakir aims to treat every patient with respect, compassion, and the attention he would give family.
Clear Explanations
He takes time to explain each step, from the diagnosis to the operation and recovery, so you understand your options and feel prepared before surgery.
The Right Operation for You
He weighs your condition, prior surgery, overall health, and activity goals before recommending open, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery, or no surgery at all.
Safety and Transparency
From consultation through recovery, his care emphasizes safety and honest discussion of benefits, risks, and what to expect. See pre-operative care and post-operative care.
Coordinated With Your Doctors
He works with your referring doctor and, for cancer care, your medical and radiation oncologists. He also works with anesthesiologists and pain management services before and after surgery.
Your First Visit
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit, Dr. Shakir reviews your history and test results, examines you, and explains whether surgery is recommended and why. Most consultations follow these steps:
- Your story: your symptoms, health history, medications, past surgeries, and family history.
- Physical exam: focused on the area of concern.
- Review of results: imaging, lab work, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, and any biopsy or pathology reports.
- Your options: whether surgery is advised, which approach fits, and other choices.
- The plan: any further tests, timing of surgery, and what recovery may involve.
- Your questions: time to talk through benefits, risks, and what matters most to you.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A referral, if your insurance plan requires one
- Imaging reports and discs (CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammogram)
- Biopsy, pathology, endoscopy, and colonoscopy reports
- Records of past operations, especially any earlier hernia repair with mesh
- A list of medications, including blood thinners, supplements, and allergies
- Your questions, written down
New patient paperwork is available on the patient forms page. Insurance details are on the insurance page.
Patients Served
Where Dr. Shakir Sees Patients
Dr. Shakir sees patients at two offices on the Grand Parkway, in Katy and in Sugar Land. The practice does not have an office inside Houston city limits.
- Katy: 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494
- Sugar Land: 17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479
- Phone: 713-955-9191
He accepts patients from Greater Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Fulshear, and nearby areas. Patients traveling from other parts of Texas are asked to call to confirm an appointment. Patients from overseas should contact the office in advance to arrange a detailed consultation.
Local pages: general surgeon in Katy, general surgeon in Sugar Land, and care for Houston patients.
Why Choose Us
Why Patients Choose Dr. Shakir
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and treats both common surgical problems and cancer at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Dual board certification from the American Board of Surgery
- Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at UPMC
- Named a Houstonia Top Doctor in General Surgery for 2026
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic options matched to your condition
- Consultations and follow-up in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Your Surgical Care
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for consultations and surgery with Dr. Shakir, 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 Dr. Shakir
Who is Dr. Murtaza Shakir?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, is a general surgeon and surgical oncologist at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas. He sees patients in Katy and Sugar Land, TX.
Is Dr. Shakir board certified?
Yes. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and in Complex General Surgical Oncology.
Where did Dr. Shakir go to medical school?
He earned his medical degree at Aga Khan University in Karachi, Pakistan.
Where did Dr. Shakir complete his fellowship?
He completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), after five years of general surgery residency.
What is the difference between a general surgeon and a surgical oncologist?
Both train in general surgery. A surgical oncologist then completes a fellowship focused on cancer surgery. Dr. Shakir is certified in both, so he treats common surgical problems as well as cancer.
What conditions does Dr. Shakir treat?
He treats hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, and wounds. He also treats colon, rectal, liver, pancreatic, breast, thyroid, and parathyroid cancers.
Does Dr. Shakir perform robotic surgery?
Yes. He performs robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery, including robotic hernia repair and robotic gallbladder removal.
Where does Dr. Shakir see patients?
He sees patients at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D, Katy, TX 77494, and 17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Sugar Land, TX 77479. Call 713-955-9191 to schedule.
Does Dr. Shakir accept insurance?
The office works with many insurance plans and can check your coverage before your visit. See the insurance page or call 713-955-9191.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. Shakir?
Call 713-955-9191 or use the contact form on the Contact Us page to request an appointment at the Katy or Sugar Land office.
Sources and references
- Check a Surgeon’s Certification, American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- Specialty Definitions: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- Surgeon Qualifications and Certifications, American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- NPI Registry Record: Murtaza Shakir, MD (NPI 1063602399), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) NPPES
- Top Doctors 2026: General Surgery, Houstonia Magazine
Reviewed by the Review Team at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas.
Medical Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, a painful hernia bulge that will not go back in, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Shakir
Have a hernia, gallbladder symptoms, an abnormal scan or a new cancer diagnosis? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to understand your results, whether you need surgery and which approach fits you. Call 713-955-9191 or request an appointment online. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now