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Fulshear General Surgery
General Surgeon Serving Fulshear, TX
Hernia, Gallbladder, Appendix, Reflux, Skin and Cancer Surgery for Fulshear Patients at Our Katy and Sugar Land Offices
Pain under the right ribs after dinner, a groin bulge that appears when you lift a child or a heavy box, or an emergency room discharge note that says “follow up with a general surgeon” are typical reasons Fulshear residents start looking for a surgeon. You do not need to know which operation you might need. The first visit is about finding out what is wrong and whether surgery would help. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas has no office in Fulshear, so patients are seen in Katy or Sugar Land.
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology. He evaluates and treats hernias, gallstones and gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, slow-healing wounds and several cancers, using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques. The Katy office is often closer for Fulshear patients, and the Sugar Land office is open to you as well. This page explains which office to choose, what is treated and how to book. New patients are welcome.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and surgical oncologist seeing 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 hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendectomy, reflux surgery, skin lesion and cyst removal, wound care and cancer surgery, using open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches
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 Fulshear patients are seen
- Surgical services
- What a general surgeon does
- When to see a surgeon
- Office visit or ER?
- Does it need surgery?
- Meet your surgeon
- Your first visit
- Open, laparoscopic or robotic
- Surgery and recovery
- Fulshear-area communities
- Insurance and referrals
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Fulshear General Surgery at a Glance
- Office in Fulshear?
- No. Fulshear 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).
- Which office
- The Katy office is often closer for Fulshear patients. Sugar Land is a good option if it suits your home, work or schedule better. Get directions to the Katy office or Get directions to the Sugar Land office.
- 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.
- What is treated
- Hernias, gallstones and gallbladder disease, appendicitis, reflux and hiatal hernia, hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, slow-healing wounds, and breast, colon, liver, pancreatic and thyroid cancers.
- Surgical approaches
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, chosen for your diagnosis, your health and any earlier operations.
- Getting started
- Call the office, request an appointment online, or come with a referral from your doctor or an emergency room. Some insurance plans require a referral.
- Go to the ER for
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain, a hernia that turns hard or painful and will not go back in, fever with belly pain, yellow skin or eyes, or repeated vomiting. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Our Offices
Is There a General Surgeon Office in Fulshear?
No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas does not have an office in Fulshear, so Fulshear patients see Dr. Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office.
For many Fulshear addresses, the Katy office is often closer. Patients who live toward Richmond, or who work in Sugar Land, sometimes find the Sugar Land office easier. Both offices have the same surgeon and offer the same services, so pick the one that fits your day or simply take the first available appointment.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Often the closer choice for patients from Fulshear and nearby communities such as Cross Creek Ranch and Fulbrook.
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
An option for Fulshear families who live toward Richmond, work in Sugar Land or want a different appointment time.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
713-955-9191
Get directions to the Sugar Land office
General surgeon in Sugar Land
Looking only for hernia or gallbladder care? Our hernia and gallbladder surgery page for Richmond and Fulshear patients covers symptoms, treatment choices and recovery in detail. Katy-specific pages: hernia surgeon in Katy and gallbladder surgeon in Katy.
Our Services
Which Surgical Services Are Available to Fulshear Patients?
Fulshear patients can use every service the practice offers, at either office. Hernias and gallbladder problems are the most common reasons Fulshear patients come to us, but the practice also treats the appendix, reflux, hemorrhoids, skin and soft tissue problems, wounds and several cancers.
Hernia Repair
Groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, repaired with open, laparoscopic or robotic surgery depending on the hernia. Read about hernia repair.
Gallbladder Surgery
Gallstones, gallbladder attacks and cholecystitis, usually treated with laparoscopic gallbladder removal when surgery is advised. Read about gallbladder surgery.
Appendicitis
Suspected appendicitis needs emergency care first. Treatment is usually removal of the appendix, with follow-up at the office afterward. Read about appendicitis and appendix removal.
Reflux and Hiatal Hernia
Surgical options for heartburn and reflux (GERD) that continue despite medicine and lifestyle changes. Read about reflux surgery.
Hemorrhoids
Bleeding, itching or swollen hemorrhoids are assessed and treated in steps, starting with home care and moving to office procedures or surgery only if needed. Read about hemorrhoid treatment.
Skin Lesions and Cysts
Removal of lumps, cysts, lipomas and skin lesions that are growing, painful, infected or uncertain, with a biopsy when needed. Read about skin lesions, masses and cysts.
Wound Care
Care for wounds that are slow to heal, including diabetic and venous ulcers and surgical wounds that are not closing. Read about wound care.
Surgical Oncology
Cancer surgery from a surgeon board certified in Complex General Surgical Oncology, planned with your oncology team. Read about surgical oncology.
Cancer Surgery by Type
Separate pages explain surgery for breast cancer, colon and rectal cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer and thyroid and parathyroid cancer.
Not sure which page fits? Start with the general surgery overview or the full list of services, or call 713-955-9191 and describe your symptoms.
The Specialty
What Does a General Surgeon Do?
A general surgeon diagnoses and operates on problems of the abdomen, the digestive organs, the abdominal wall, and the skin and soft tissue. According to the American Board of Surgery, the specialty centers on diseases of the abdomen, and training also covers the breast, the hormone-producing glands and surgical care of cancer.
In practice, the general surgeon decides whether a hernia, gallbladder or lump needs an operation, performs it and follows your recovery.
When Cancer Is Part of the Picture
Dr. Shakir also holds board certification in Complex General Surgical Oncology, which requires fellowship training in the surgical treatment of cancer. He completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Fulshear patients with a suspicious scan or a new cancer diagnosis can be evaluated without changing practices. Learn what a surgical oncologist does.
Signs and Referrals
When Should a Fulshear Patient See a General Surgeon?
See a general surgeon when a symptom keeps returning, when a test shows a problem that might need an operation, or when another doctor asks for a surgical opinion. Most visits start in one of the two ways below.
Symptoms That Have Not Gone Away
- A bulge in the groin, at the belly button or near an old scar, especially when you stand, cough or lift
- Pain in the upper right belly after meals, sometimes reaching the back or right shoulder
- Heartburn or regurgitation that persists despite medicine
- Rectal bleeding, itching or a lump near the anus
- A lump under the skin that is growing, painful or keeps getting infected
- A wound that has not healed after several weeks
A Test Result or Referral
- An ultrasound or CT scan showed gallstones or a hernia
- An emergency room visit ended with instructions to see a surgeon
- Your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist referred you
- Imaging found a mass, or a biopsy confirmed a cancer that may be treated with surgery
These articles may help you decide: why do I have a bulge in my groin?, gallbladder pain after eating and should I see a surgeon for hernia pain?
Know Where to Go
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 the emergency room for sudden, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. A hernia that aches by evening, gallstones found on a scan, or a slowly growing lump can wait for a consultation in Katy or Sugar Land. Call 713-955-9191 to schedule.
Our offices are surgical clinics, not emergency facilities. If you were treated in an emergency room and told to follow up with a surgeon, call us after discharge and bring your paperwork and imaging reports. See what to do after the ER finds gallstones.
Do Not Drive to an Office Visit If You Have
Do not drive to an office visit if you have worsening belly pain, a hernia that is hard or discolored and will not go back in, pain moving to the lower right side, fever, yellow skin or eyes, or repeated vomiting. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Surgery or Not
Will Seeing a Surgeon Mean You Need an Operation?
Not necessarily. A consultation is an evaluation, and Dr. Shakir recommends surgery only when its expected benefit outweighs its risks for you. Most first visits end with one of these plans.
Monitor and Recheck
Some findings are safe to watch, such as gallstones that cause no symptoms, a small hernia with few symptoms, or a harmless lipoma. You leave knowing which changes should bring you back.
Treat Without Surgery
Most reflux is first managed with medicine and lifestyle changes, and many hemorrhoid flare-ups settle with fiber, fluids and simple home care.
Get More Information
An ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopy or biopsy may be needed before a decision. Dr. Shakir explains what each test could change.
Plan an Operation
When surgery is the better choice, you discuss the approach, the risks, where it will be done and what recovery involves. Adult hernias do not heal on their own, and gallstones that cause attacks usually lead to gallbladder removal.
Condition-specific answers: when is hernia surgery necessary?, do gallstones always need surgery? and a CT scan showed a hernia: do I need surgery?
Your Surgeon
Meet Your General Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
General surgery for 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.
What to Expect
How Does a First Visit Work When You Live in Fulshear?
Most Fulshear patients need a small number of trips: a consultation, the procedure itself, and at least one follow-up visit. Your clinic visits can stay at whichever office you choose.
What to Bring
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- A referral, if your plan requires one
- Ultrasound, CT or MRI reports, and discs if you have them
- ER discharge papers, endoscopy, colonoscopy or biopsy reports
- A list of your medicines, especially blood thinners
- Operative reports from any earlier abdominal surgery
You can complete patient forms before you arrive.
Second Opinions
If another surgeon has already recommended an operation, you can book a second-opinion visit. Bring the imaging and visit notes so Dr. Shakir can review them. See our patient resources.
1. Before You Call
Have your insurance card ready, plus a referral if your plan requires one. Note when your symptoms began and what makes them worse, and ask which office has the earliest opening.
2. The Consultation
Dr. Shakir reviews your history, medicines and earlier operations, examines you and goes over any ultrasound, CT or ER reports. The visit ends with a clear recommendation.
3. Planning Next Steps
If surgery is recommended, our team helps with scheduling and insurance authorization and gives you written instructions for before and after the operation.
Surgical Approaches
Open, Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery: Which One Fits?
The right approach depends on your diagnosis, your anatomy, your overall health and any previous surgery. Dr. Shakir performs all three, so the choice is driven by your condition rather than by the tools a surgeon happens to use. Minimally invasive surgery is used when it is safe and appropriate.
Is Newer Always Better?
No. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery share many of the same benefits, such as smaller incisions and, for many patients, less pain. Occasionally a minimally invasive operation is changed to open surgery because of scar tissue, inflammation or bleeding; that is a safety decision you will discuss beforehand. Compare options in robotic vs open hernia repair and robotic vs laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
| Feature | Open | Laparoscopic | Robotic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Single incision, direct access | A few small cuts | Minimally invasive approach |
| Instruments | Through the incision | Slim camera, long narrow instruments | Wristed instruments, magnified 3-D view |
| Common uses | Some hernias, emergencies, skin procedures | Gallbladder, appendix, many hernias | Hernia repair and gallbladder surgery |
| Control | Surgeon works directly | Surgeon works through small cuts | Dr. Shakir at a console, robot never moves alone |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
After Your Visit
Where Is Surgery Done, and What Does Recovery Look Like?
Operations take place at a hospital or surgery center chosen for the type of procedure and your insurance, and our staff tells you the location when surgery is scheduled. Your pre-operative and follow-up visits happen at the Katy or Sugar Land office.
Healing at Home in Fulshear
After many laparoscopic and robotic operations, people return to light daily activity within days; open and larger operations take longer. You receive written instructions for your procedure. Read our guides to pre-operative care, post-operative care and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).
Phone the office if you develop a fever, redness that spreads from an incision, new drainage, or pain that your prescribed medicine is not controlling.
Office Procedures
Some smaller procedures, such as removing certain skin lesions and cysts, can be done in the office with local anesthesia. You go home right after.
Same-Day Surgery
Many minimally invasive operations, including many hernia repairs and planned gallbladder removals, allow you to go home the same day.
Hospital Stay
Larger or urgent operations, such as cancer surgery, complex hernia repair or surgery for a ruptured appendix, may need one or more nights in the hospital.
Areas Served
General Surgery for Fulshear and Nearby Communities
These Fulshear-area communities are service areas, not separate offices; every clinic visit takes place in Katy or Sugar Land.
Central Fulshear
Patients from Fulshear itself often find the Katy office closer. The Sugar Land office is available if its schedule works better.
Cross Creek Ranch and Fulbrook
Families in these communities often choose the Katy office for consultations, pre-operative visits and follow-up.
Weston Lakes and Simonton
Patients from Weston Lakes and Simonton are welcome at either office. Many choose Katy; choose whichever is easier for you.
Toward Richmond
If you live toward Richmond or work in Sugar Land, the Sugar Land office may suit you better. See our general surgeon for Richmond patients page.
Other nearby pages: Katy, Sugar Land, Rosenberg and all locations.
Coverage Questions
Insurance and Referrals for 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 check your network status and benefits before treatment. Some plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before a surgical visit.
Carrier pages: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. For other plans and how to verify coverage, see our insurance page.
Why Choose Us
Why Fulshear Patients Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and sees Fulshear patients at two offices on the Grand Parkway.
- A straight answer: no Fulshear office, your choice of two
- One surgeon for hernias, gallbladder, reflux, skin lumps and more
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches, matched to your diagnosis
- Clear explanations, and honesty when waiting is safe
- Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for General Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for general 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
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 Fulshear Patients
Is there a general surgeon office in Fulshear?
No. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas does not have an office in Fulshear. Fulshear patients see Dr. Murtaza Shakir at the Katy office (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D) or the Sugar Land office (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320).
Can I have hernia surgery if I live in Fulshear?
Yes. Dr. Shakir evaluates Fulshear patients in Katy or Sugar Land and repairs hernias with open, laparoscopic or robotic techniques as appropriate. See hernia and gallbladder surgery for Richmond and Fulshear patients.
Who treats gallstones and gallbladder attacks?
A general surgeon evaluates gallbladder problems and removes the gallbladder when needed, usually laparoscopically. Read about gallbladder surgery.
Should I go to the ER or make an appointment for belly pain?
Sudden, intense or steadily worsening pain belongs in the ER, particularly with fever, vomiting, a hard belly or a hernia that will not go back in. Pain that has come and gone for weeks, for example after fatty meals, is a reason to book a consultation.
I think I have appendicitis. Should I book an appointment?
No. Suspected appendicitis needs same-day emergency care, so call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. After treatment, you can follow up with Dr. Shakir at the office.
Does seeing a surgeon mean I will need an operation?
No. Many problems are first watched or treated without surgery. Dr. Shakir recommends an operation only when the expected benefit outweighs the risks for you.
Does Dr. Shakir offer robotic surgery?
Yes. He performs open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery and recommends the approach that fits your condition, your health and any earlier operations.
Does Dr. Shakir treat cancer?
Yes. Fulshear patients with breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic or thyroid cancer can be evaluated for surgery by Dr. Shakir, who is board certified in Complex General Surgical Oncology and plans treatment with your oncology team. See surgical oncology.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shakir?
Not always. Some insurance plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from a primary care doctor, so check your plan before scheduling.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
Many major plans, including participating Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare plans. Coverage varies by plan; 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 severe or worsening abdominal pain, suspected appendicitis, a hernia that is hard or discolored and 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 Near Fulshear
Fulshear patients from Cross Creek Ranch, Fulbrook, Weston Lakes and Simonton can meet Dr. Murtaza Shakir at our Katy office, often the closer choice, or our Sugar Land office about a pain, bulge, lump or scan finding. New patients are welcome. Call 713-955-9191 or request a consultation online.
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