Cypress General Surgery

General Surgeon Serving Cypress, TX

Hernia, Gallbladder and Cancer Surgery for Cypress Patients, With Visits at Our Katy and Sugar Land Offices

A hernia that keeps pushing out, gallstones seen on an ultrasound, a skin lump that has changed, or a new cancer diagnosis usually leads to the same next step: an appointment with a surgeon. That visit tells you what is causing the problem, whether an operation will help and how soon it is needed. We do not have an office in Cypress. Cypress patients travel to our Katy or Sugar Land office for their visits.

At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. He treats hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and slow-healing wounds, and he operates on breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic and thyroid cancers. Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery are all offered. New patients from Cypress and the rest of Greater Houston are welcome.

Meet the Surgeon

Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and surgical oncologist seeing Cypress 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 hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, reflux surgery, skin lesion removal, wound care, and surgery for breast, colorectal, liver, pancreatic and thyroid cancers

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 Cypress patients are seen
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

Cypress General Surgery at a Glance

Office in Cypress?: No. Cypress 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).
Which office: The Katy office is often the closer of the two for Cypress patients. Both offices have the same surgeon and the same services.
Hours and phone: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at both offices. Call 713-955-9191 to book or confirm a visit.
Your surgeon: Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
General surgery: Hernias, gallstones and gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, slow-healing wounds and complex abdominal wall problems.
Cancer surgery: Breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid and parathyroid cancers, planned with your other cancer doctors.
Surgical approaches: Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery is used when it is safe and suitable.
Go to the ER for: Sudden or severe belly pain, a hard hernia bulge that will not go back in, fever with abdominal pain, yellow skin or eyes, or vomiting that will not stop. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Office Locations

Is There a General Surgeon Office in Cypress?

No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas has two offices, one in Katy and one in Sugar Land, and Cypress patients travel to one of them for every clinic visit. We would rather say that plainly than have you search for a Cypress address that does not exist.

The Katy office is often the closer of the two for Cypress patients. You can still choose Sugar Land if its appointment times suit you better. Dr. Shakir sees patients at both offices, and the services are the same.

Before You Make the Trip

Because each visit means traveling outside Cypress, please call 713-955-9191 to confirm your appointment before you leave home. Bring your imaging reports, ER paperwork and medicine list with you, so the visit can cover as much as possible. You can also fill out patient forms in advance.

Katy Office

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

Often the closer of the two offices for Cypress patients.

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

The same surgeon and services, if this office’s schedule works better for you.

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

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

Patients from nearby areas may also find our pages for Spring and Houston patients helpful, or see all locations.

General Surgery

Which General Surgery Services Can Cypress Patients Get?

Cypress patients can get every general surgery service the practice offers, at either office. A general surgeon diagnoses and treats problems of the abdomen, digestive tract, abdominal wall, skin and soft tissue. Each card below links to a page with symptoms, treatment choices and recovery details.

Hernia Repair

Inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, repaired with open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery. See hernia repair and our hernia surgeon in Katy page.

Gallbladder Surgery

Evaluation of gallstones and gallbladder attacks, and gallbladder removal, most often by minimally invasive surgery. See gallbladder surgery and our gallbladder surgeon in Katy page.

Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Repair of large or repeat hernias of the abdominal wall, often after earlier operations. See ventral and incisional hernia repair and recurrent hernia repair.

Appendicitis

Emergency and planned removal of the appendix (appendectomy). Suspected appendicitis needs emergency care first. See appendicitis and appendix removal.

Reflux Surgery

Surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when lifestyle changes and medicine have not controlled it. See reflux surgery.

Hemorrhoids

Relief for painful, bleeding or persistent hemorrhoids, from simple measures to surgery when needed. See hemorrhoid treatment.

Skin Lesions, Masses and Cysts

Removal of skin lesions, lumps and cysts with attention to a small scar, and a biopsy when cancer is a concern. See skin lesions, masses and cysts.

Wound Care

Treatment of wounds that are slow to heal, such as diabetic and venous ulcers and surgical wounds. See wound care.

For an overview of the specialty, read our general surgery page.

Surgical Oncology

Cancer Surgery for Cypress Patients

Cypress patients with a cancer that may need an operation can see Dr. Shakir for a surgical oncology consultation. Complex General Surgical Oncology is a board specialty focused on the diagnosis, surgical treatment and recovery of people with cancer, including rare and complex cancers. Dr. Shakir also completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Surgery is often one part of cancer treatment. Dr. Shakir explains where an operation fits and plans it with your medical oncologist, radiation oncologist or other specialists.

Breast Cancer

Surgical treatment plans for breast cancer, including lumpectomy and mastectomy. See breast cancer surgery.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Surgical care for cancers of the colon and rectum. See colon and rectal cancer.

Liver Cancer

Evaluation of liver tumors and surgery when removal is possible. See liver cancer surgery.

Pancreatic Cancer

Surgical evaluation and treatment of pancreatic tumors. See pancreatic cancer.

Thyroid and Parathyroid Cancer

Endocrine surgery for thyroid and parathyroid cancers. See thyroid and parathyroid cancer.

Surgical Oncology Overview

How a surgical oncologist fits into cancer care. See surgical oncology and what a surgical oncologist does.

Reasons to Visit

When Should a Cypress Patient See a General Surgeon?

See a general surgeon when a symptom, scan or biopsy suggests a problem that an operation might fix, or when another doctor asks for a surgical opinion. Some patients come with a clear diagnosis. Others have symptoms that have lasted weeks or keep coming back.

Common Reasons for a Referral

An ultrasound or CT scan showed gallstones or a hernia
An emergency room visit ended with advice to follow up with a surgeon
Your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist wants a surgical opinion
A mammogram, scan or biopsy found a cancer or a suspicious mass
You want a second opinion about an operation already recommended

Symptoms Worth Having Checked

A bulge in the groin, near the belly button or at an old incision
Pain in the upper right belly after meals, sometimes reaching the back or shoulder
Heartburn or regurgitation that continues despite medicine
Bleeding, itching or a lump around the anus
A lump under the skin that is growing, painful or changing
A wound that has not healed after several weeks

Helpful reading: signs you might need a hernia specialist, early warning signs of gallbladder disease and choosing the right general surgeon.

Urgent Symptoms

Should You Book an Office Visit or Go to the Emergency Room?

Book an office visit for problems that have developed over days, weeks or months; go to an emergency room for sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. Our Katy and Sugar Land offices are surgical clinics, not emergency facilities, and the trip from Cypress should never delay emergency care.

If you are treated at an emergency room near Cypress and told to see a surgeon afterward, call us once you are discharged. Bring the discharge papers and any imaging reports to your first visit. See the ER found gallstones: what next?

Call 911 or Go to the Nearest ER If You Have

Do not drive to an office visit for worsening belly pain, a hernia bulge that turns hard and will not push back in, pain moving to the lower right side, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or blood in vomit or stool. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Your Options

Will a Visit With a Surgeon Lead to an Operation?

Not necessarily. Your first visit is an evaluation, and Dr. Shakir recommends surgery only when the expected benefit outweighs the risk for you. For some problems, watching and waiting, medicine or lifestyle changes come first.

Hernias: a hernia in an adult does not heal by itself, but a small one that causes few symptoms can sometimes be watched.
Gallstones: stones found by chance that cause no symptoms often need no treatment; stones that cause attacks or inflammation usually do.
Reflux: most people improve with lifestyle changes and medicine; surgery is considered when those fail.
Hemorrhoids: many flares settle with fiber, fluids and simple home care.
Skin lumps: many are harmless; lumps that grow or change are removed or biopsied.
Cancer: whether surgery comes first, later or not at all depends on the cancer type and stage.

When a Scan Finds Something Unexpected

Hernias, gallstones and small masses are often spotted on scans done for other reasons. Bring the report to your visit, and the images on a disc if you have them. Dr. Shakir compares the findings with your symptoms before advising treatment. Read 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 surgery and cancer surgery for Cypress patients at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas are 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 a General Surgery Consultation?

At your consultation, you talk with Dr. Shakir one on one about what is wrong, whether surgery will help and what the options involve. Understanding the condition and the operation before you decide is one of the most useful parts of the visit.

What to Bring

Photo ID and insurance card
A referral, if your plan requires one
Imaging reports and discs, including those from an ER visit
Biopsy, colonoscopy, endoscopy or pathology reports
A list of your medicines, including blood thinners and supplements
Operative notes from any earlier surgery in the same area
Your questions, written down

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

Your Story and Exam

Dr. Shakir reviews your symptoms, health history, medicines and past operations, then examines the area of concern.

Your Records

He reviews imaging, lab work, endoscopy and biopsy results, including records from Cypress-area doctors and hospitals. New tests are ordered only when they will change the plan.

Your Plan

You leave knowing whether surgery is advised, which approach fits and what recovery is likely to look like.

How Surgery Is Done

Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery: Which Approach Fits?

The right approach depends on your condition, your anatomy, any earlier surgery and your overall health. Dr. Shakir performs open, laparoscopic and robotic operations and favors minimally invasive surgery when it is safe and suitable, because it often means less pain and a quicker return to daily life.

Robotic Is Not Automatically Better

Robotic and laparoscopic surgery share many benefits, and neither is right for every patient. What matters is the approach that lets your operation be done safely and well. Compare options in robotic vs open hernia repair and robotic vs laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Occasionally a minimally invasive operation is changed to an open one for safety, for example because of scar tissue or inflammation; this possibility is discussed before surgery.

Feature	Laparoscopic	Robotic	Open
Incisions	A few small incisions	Minimally invasive approach	One larger incision
Instruments	Camera and slim instruments	Wristed instruments, magnified 3-D view	Through the larger incision
Common uses	Gallbladder, hernia, appendix, reflux	Ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias	Small hernias, cancer, emergencies, wall reconstruction
Recovery	Often home the same day	Often home the same day	Usually longer

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

Before and After

Where Is Surgery Done, and What Is Recovery Like?

Where your procedure takes place depends on the operation and your insurance, and our staff tells you the location when surgery is scheduled. Your clinic visits before and after surgery take place at the Katy or Sugar Land office.

Step by Step

Pre-surgical visit: a review of your medical history and condition, and what to do before surgery.
Your treatment plan: a clear explanation of the procedure and the recovery ahead.
Surgery day: plan for someone to drive you home after anesthesia.
Follow-up: visits to check your healing and answer questions.

Read our guides to pre-operative care, post-operative care, pain management and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Call the office for fever, spreading redness or drainage at an incision, or pain your medicine does not control.

Office Procedures

Some smaller procedures, such as removing certain skin lesions and cysts, can be done in the office under local anesthesia.

Same-Day Surgery

Many minimally invasive operations, including many hernia repairs and gallbladder removals, let patients go home the same day.

Hospital Stay

Cancer operations, complex hernia repairs and surgery for a ruptured appendix may need one or more nights in the hospital.

Coverage

Insurance and Referrals for Cypress Patients

The practice serves Cypress patients with participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans, along with many other major insurance plans. Participation varies by individual plan, so please check your network status and benefits with the office and your insurer before treatment. Some plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor.

Carrier pages: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. Don’t see your plan? Visit our insurance page or contact the office to verify your plan.

Why Choose Us

Why Cypress Patients Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas

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

Everyday and cancer surgery with the same surgeon
Honest advice when surgery is not needed yet
Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, matched to your condition
The Katy office is often closer for Cypress patients
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 Cypress Patients

Do you have an office in Cypress, TX?

No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas has no Cypress office. Cypress patients see 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).

What does a general surgeon treat?

A general surgeon treats conditions of the abdomen, digestive tract, abdominal wall, skin and soft tissue. Hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lumps and wounds that will not heal are among the most frequent reasons for a visit.

What is the difference between a general surgeon and a surgical oncologist?

A general surgeon treats a broad range of abdominal and soft tissue problems. A surgical oncologist has added training in operating on cancer. Dr. Shakir is board certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.

I have a hernia. Can I be treated if I live in Cypress?

Yes. Cypress patients have hernia evaluations and repairs planned through the Katy or Sugar Land office. See our hernia surgeon in Katy page for details.

An ultrasound showed gallstones. What should I do?

Book a consultation so Dr. Shakir can decide whether the stones explain your symptoms. Stones that cause no symptoms often need no treatment. Go to the ER for fever, yellow skin or eyes, or pain that will not settle. See our gallbladder surgeon in Katy page.

I think I have appendicitis. Should I make an appointment?

No. Suspected appendicitis needs emergency care. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. If you were already treated, call us afterward for follow-up.

If I see a surgeon, will I need an operation?

Not necessarily. Many conditions are first treated with medicine, lifestyle changes or careful monitoring. An operation is advised only when it is likely to help you more than it could harm you.

Do you offer robotic surgery?

Yes. Dr. Shakir performs robotic, laparoscopic and open surgery and recommends the approach that suits your condition. Robotic surgery is not automatically better than laparoscopic surgery.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shakir?

That depends on your insurance. Some plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor. Our staff can help you check.

Which insurance plans do you accept?

The practice works with participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans and many other major plans. Coverage varies by plan, so verify your benefits 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)
Abdominal Pain, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
When to Use the Emergency Room: Adult, 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

Cypress patients can meet Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy office, often the closer of the two, or our Sugar Land office about a pain, bulge, lump, abnormal test result or cancer surgery. New patients are welcome. Call 713-955-9191, Monday to Friday, or request a consultation online.

713-955-9191