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General Surgery
General Surgery Services in Greater Houston
Hernia, Gallbladder, Appendix, Reflux, Skin and Cancer Surgery in Katy and Sugar Land
A bulge in the groin, pain after fatty meals, heartburn that medicine no longer controls, rectal bleeding, or a lump under the skin can all lead to a visit with a general surgeon. So can a new cancer diagnosis or a wound that will not heal. A general surgeon finds the cause, decides whether an operation is needed, and performs it when it is.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, evaluates and treats common surgical conditions using open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques. He sees patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land, serving Richmond, Fulshear, Stafford, and Greater Houston. This page explains what general surgery covers and links to each of our detailed service pages.
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 hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendectomy, reflux surgery, skin lesion removal, 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
- What is general surgery?
- Conditions we treat
- When to see a general surgeon
- Referral and consultation
- Does it always need surgery?
- Meet your surgeon
- How your plan is chosen
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic
- Office, outpatient or hospital
- Preparing for surgery
- Recovery and follow-up
- Risks of surgery
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
General Surgery at a Glance
- What it is
- The surgical specialty that diagnoses and treats conditions of the abdomen, digestive tract, breast, skin, soft tissue, and endocrine glands, including surgery for many cancers.
- Conditions we treat
- Hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, acid reflux (GERD), hemorrhoids, skin lesions and cysts, chronic wounds, and several cancers.
- Surgical approaches
- Open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. The approach is chosen for your condition, your health, and any previous surgery.
- Who performs it
- Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- How to get started
- A referral from your primary care doctor, a specialist, or an emergency department, or a call to our office. Some insurance plans require a referral.
- Get emergency care for
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain, a painful hernia bulge that cannot be pushed back in, heavy bleeding, or vomiting that will not stop. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
Specialty Overview
What Is General Surgery?
General surgery is the surgical specialty that diagnoses and treats diseases of the abdomen and digestive tract, as well as the breast, skin, soft tissue, and endocrine glands. The American Board of Surgery describes general surgeons as experts in the care of patients with disorders affecting the abdomen, digestive tract, endocrine system, breast, skin, and blood vessels, including the use of minimally invasive techniques.
The word general refers to the breadth of training, not a lack of focus. A general surgeon manages the whole course of surgical care: diagnosis, deciding whether surgery is needed, preparation, the operation itself, and recovery, including any complications.
Core Areas of General Surgery
- Digestive tract: the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus
- Abdomen and its contents: the abdominal wall, gallbladder, appendix, liver, pancreas, and spleen
- Breast, skin, and soft tissue: lumps, cysts, lesions, and wounds
- Endocrine glands: such as the thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Surgical oncology: surgery as part of coordinated cancer care, along with screening, surveillance, and follow-up
General surgery training also covers trauma, critical care, and parts of vascular surgery. Each surgeon focuses a practice on certain areas. The conditions treated at our practice are listed in the next section.
How General Surgeons Are Trained
After medical school, general surgeons complete at least five years of surgical residency. Training covers the main areas of general surgery, along with endoscopy and surgical intensive care. Surgeons who then pass the written and oral examinations of the American Board of Surgery become board certified in General Surgery. Some surgeons, like Dr. Shakir, go on to complete fellowship training and a second board certification in a focused area.
General Surgery and Surgical Oncology
Complex General Surgical Oncology is a board-certified specialty focused on the surgical treatment of cancer, including rare and complex cancers, in coordination with other cancer specialists. Dr. Shakir is board certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, and he completed a two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Cancer care is covered in detail on our surgical oncology page.
Our Services
What Conditions Does Our General Surgeon Treat?
Dr. Shakir evaluates and treats common conditions of the abdomen, digestive tract, skin, and soft tissue, and he provides surgical care for several cancers. Each service below has its own page with symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery details.
Hernia Repair
Repair of groin (inguinal), belly button (umbilical), ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias using open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques. Learn about hernia repair, including inguinal, umbilical, ventral and incisional, recurrent, and robotic hernia repair.
Gallbladder Surgery
Evaluation of gallstones, gallbladder attacks, and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), and removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy), most often with laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Learn about gallbladder surgery, laparoscopic gallbladder removal, and robotic gallbladder surgery.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix. It usually needs prompt treatment, most often removal of the appendix (appendectomy). Suspected appendicitis needs same-day emergency care. Learn about appendicitis and appendix removal.
Reflux Surgery
For gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that medicine and lifestyle changes do not control, laparoscopic antireflux surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach. Learn about reflux surgery.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or around the anus that can bleed, itch, or bulge. Treatment ranges from home care to office procedures, such as rubber band ligation, and surgery when needed. Learn about hemorrhoid treatment.
Skin Lesions, Masses and Cysts
Evaluation and removal of skin lesions, cysts, lipomas, and other lumps, with a biopsy when cancer is a concern. Many removals are done in the office under local anesthesia. Learn about skin lesion, mass, and cyst removal.
Wound Care
Care for chronic and slow-healing wounds, diabetic and venous ulcers, and surgical wounds, in the office and through mobile visits in parts of Greater Houston. Learn about wound care.
Surgical Oncology
Surgical evaluation and treatment of cancer, coordinated with your oncology team, including breast, colon and rectal, liver, pancreatic, and thyroid and parathyroid cancers. Learn about surgical oncology.
Not sure which service fits your problem? Some patients have more than one condition, such as a hernia and gallstones. Read about seeing one surgeon for hernia and gallbladder problems, or call 713-955-9191 and our staff can help you schedule the right visit.
New to surgical care? Read what a general surgeon does and when you need one.
Signs and Symptoms
When Should You See a General Surgeon?
You should see a general surgeon when a symptom or test result points to a problem that may need an operation, or when your doctor recommends a surgical opinion. Common reasons include:
- A bulge in the groin, at the belly button, or near an old incision, with or without pain
- Pain in the upper right abdomen after meals, or gallstones found on an ultrasound
- Heartburn or regurgitation that continues despite medicine
- Rectal bleeding, itching, or a lump near the anus
- A lump under the skin, a cyst, or a mole or skin lesion that is changing
- A wound that has not healed after several weeks
- A scan, biopsy, or screening test that shows a mass or possible cancer
- Follow-up after an emergency room visit for appendicitis, gallbladder pain, or a hernia
Rectal bleeding has many causes, including hemorrhoids and colon cancer, so it should always be checked by a doctor.
When to Get Emergency Care
Seek emergency care for severe or worsening belly pain, pain that moves from the belly button to the lower right, a painful, firm hernia that cannot be pushed back in, yellow skin or eyes with fever, nonstop vomiting, heavy rectal bleeding, black stools, or chest pain. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Getting Started
How Referral and Consultation Work
Most patients come to a general surgeon after a referral from their primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, another specialist, or an emergency department. You can also call our office at 713-955-9191 to ask about scheduling. Some insurance plans, including many HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before a specialist visit, so check your plan’s rules before your appointment.
What Happens at Your Consultation
At your first visit, Dr. Shakir asks about your symptoms, health history, medicines, and any previous operations. He examines you and reviews your imaging, lab results, and reports from other doctors. He then explains what is causing your problem, whether surgery is likely to help, and what each option involves. If more tests are needed, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or endoscopy, he explains why and how the results may change the plan.
The goal of the visit is a clear next step: watchful waiting, treatment without surgery, more testing, or a plan for surgery. You are welcome to bring a family member and to take time to decide.
What to Bring to Your Visit
- Photo ID and your insurance card
- Your referral, if your plan requires one
- Imaging reports and discs, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy reports
- Biopsy and pathology reports
- Recent lab results
- A list of your medicines, supplements, and allergies
- Records of previous operations
- A list of your questions
New patient paperwork is available on our patient forms page.
Patients From Outside the Area
Patients from Greater Houston and other parts of Texas are asked to call the office to confirm an appointment. Overseas patients should contact us in advance to arrange a detailed consultation.
Surgery or Not
Does Every Surgical Condition Need an Operation?
No. Seeing a surgeon does not mean you will have surgery. Many conditions are first treated with medicine, lifestyle changes, or careful monitoring. An operation is recommended when its benefits outweigh its risks for you.
- Hernias: adult hernias do not heal on their own, but some small groin hernias that cause few symptoms can be watched safely.
- Gallstones: gallstones that cause no symptoms usually need no treatment. Gallstones that cause attacks or inflammation usually do.
- Reflux: most people with GERD are treated with medicine and lifestyle changes first.
- Hemorrhoids: most improve with fiber, fluids, and home care. Procedures are for hemorrhoids that keep bleeding or bulging.
- Skin lumps: many harmless cysts and lipomas can be left alone unless they grow, hurt, become infected, or the diagnosis is uncertain.
Other conditions, such as appendicitis or a trapped (strangulated) hernia, usually need prompt surgery.
Questions That Help You Decide
- What happens if I wait?
- What are the non-surgical options, and how well do they work for my condition?
- Which surgical approach would you use, and why?
- Will I go home the same day?
- When can I return to work, driving, and lifting?
Your Surgeon
Meet Your General Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
General surgery 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.
Treatment Planning
How Your Surgical Plan Is Chosen
Your surgical plan is based on your diagnosis, your overall health, and your goals. Dr. Shakir reviews these factors with you before recommending whether to operate, which technique to use, and when.
The Diagnosis
The type, size, and stage of the problem, and whether it is causing complications, shape what is recommended and how soon.
Your Overall Health
Heart and lung health, diabetes, weight, smoking, and blood thinners all affect anesthesia, technique, and recovery.
Previous Abdominal Surgery
Scar tissue from earlier operations, or a hernia that has come back, can change which approach is safest.
How Urgent It Is
A planned operation allows time to prepare. Urgent problems, such as an inflamed gallbladder, may need surgery sooner.
Your Recovery Needs
Your job, lifting demands, caregiving duties, and support at home all matter when planning the timing of surgery.
Your Preferences
Your priorities and questions are part of every decision, including whether to wait, try other treatment first, or go ahead.
Surgical Approaches
Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery Compared
Most general surgery operations can be done in one of three ways: open, laparoscopic, or robotic. Dr. Shakir performs all three. The right choice depends on the condition, your anatomy and health, and any previous surgery. No single technique is best for everyone.
Is One Approach Always Better?
No. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery share many of the same benefits over open surgery, and the overall risks of all three approaches are broadly similar, though they differ in detail. The best approach is the one that lets your surgeon complete the operation safely and effectively for your situation. Read more about laparoscopic versus open hernia repair, robotic versus open hernia repair, and robotic versus laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Which Operations Use Minimally Invasive Techniques?
At our practice, laparoscopic or robotic techniques are commonly used for hernia repair and gallbladder removal, and laparoscopic techniques for appendectomy and antireflux surgery. Whether a minimally invasive approach is right for you depends on your condition, your health, and any previous surgery.
Changing to an Open Operation
Sometimes a laparoscopic or robotic operation is changed to an open one during surgery because of scar tissue, inflammation, bleeding, or unclear anatomy. This is a safety decision, not a failure, and it is discussed with you before surgery.
| Feature | Open | Laparoscopic | Robotic-Assisted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | One larger incision | Several small incisions | Minimally invasive approach |
| How it works | Surgeon sees and reaches the area directly | Thin camera and long, narrow instruments | Surgeon controls robotic arms from a console |
| View | Direct view | Laparoscope camera | Enlarged 3-D image |
| Main strength | Large hernias, complex or emergency operations | Less pain, smaller scars, faster recovery | Precise work in tight spaces |
| Keep in mind | Longer recovery and more pain | Gas gently inflates the abdomen | Setup can make the operation longer |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
Where Care Happens
Office Procedures, Outpatient Surgery and Hospital Stays
Where your procedure takes place depends on the operation and your health. Your care team tells you where it will be done and how long you can expect to stay.
In the Office
Smaller procedures, such as removing many skin lesions and cysts and some hemorrhoid treatments like rubber band ligation, can often be done in the office with local anesthesia. You go home right afterward.
Outpatient Surgery
Many minimally invasive operations, such as most groin hernia repairs and many uncomplicated gallbladder removals, are outpatient surgery. Many patients go home the same day once they are awake, comfortable, and able to drink.
Hospital Stay
Larger or urgent operations, such as cancer surgery, complex hernia repairs, or surgery for a burst appendix, may need a hospital stay of one or more days.
General anesthesia is used for most laparoscopic, robotic, and open abdominal operations. Some procedures can be done with local or regional anesthesia, with or without sedation. An anesthesia provider reviews your options before surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
How to Prepare for General Surgery
Preparation starts at your consultation and depends on the operation planned. Good preparation lowers the risk of complications and helps your recovery go smoothly.
Steps That Help You Recover
Stopping smoking, keeping blood sugar under control, staying active, and eating well before surgery all support healing. Ask about our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach, which uses planning before, during, and after surgery to help you recover sooner.
What Preparation May Include
- Pre-operative evaluation and physical exam
- Blood tests and, when needed, an ECG or chest X-ray
- Medical clearance from your primary care doctor or a specialist for heart, lung, or other conditions
- Instructions on which medicines to stop or continue
- Eating and drinking instructions before surgery
- Arranging a ride home and help for the first few days
See our pre-operative care guidance.
What to Tell the Surgical Team
- Blood thinners, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory medicines
- All prescription and over-the-counter medicines and supplements
- Allergies, including to latex, tape, or skin cleansers
- Past problems with anesthesia
- Bleeding or clotting problems
- Diabetes, heart, or lung disease
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
- A cold, fever, or other illness in the days before surgery
Do not stop prescription medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.
After Surgery
Recovery After General Surgery
Recovery depends on the operation and the approach. After many laparoscopic and robotic procedures, people return to light daily activities within days and to most normal activities within one to two weeks. Open and larger operations take longer. Dr. Shakir gives you instructions for your specific procedure.
- Pain control: take pain medicine as prescribed. Discomfort usually improves steadily over the first days to weeks.
- Walking: getting up and walking soon after surgery helps prevent blood clots and pneumonia.
- Incision care: keep incisions clean and dry, and follow your instructions for showering and dressings.
- Eating: start with light meals and drink plenty of fluids. Fiber and fluids help prevent constipation from pain medicine.
- Lifting and driving: heavy lifting is often limited for several weeks after hernia and other abdominal operations. Do not drive while taking opioid pain medicine.
- Follow-up visit: Dr. Shakir checks your healing and reviews any pathology results with you.
For more detail, see our post-operative care instructions and pain management pages.
When to Call the Office
Call the office if you have a fever, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from an incision, pain that your medicine does not control, nausea that keeps you from eating or drinking, or no bowel movement for several days.
When to Get Emergency Care After Surgery
After surgery, seek care right away for chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, a painful swollen leg, severe or rapidly worsening belly pain or swelling, vomiting that will not stop, heavy bleeding from an incision or black stools, or high fever with chills or confusion. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Surgical Risks
What Are the Risks of General Surgery?
Every operation carries some risk, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots or reactions to anesthesia, and the specific risks depend on your procedure and health. Schedule a consultation and Dr. Shakir will explain the risks that apply to you.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for General Surgery?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is double board certified by the American Board of Surgery and treats common surgical conditions and cancer at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery offered
- Minimally invasive surgery whenever appropriate and safe
- Each step explained, from consultation through recovery
- 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 About General Surgery
What does a general surgeon do?
A general surgeon diagnoses and treats conditions that may need an operation, mainly of the abdomen, digestive tract, breast, skin, and soft tissue. The surgeon decides whether surgery is needed, performs it, and manages your recovery.
What conditions does a general surgeon treat?
Common examples include hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, skin lumps and cysts, and some cancers. At our practice, Dr. Shakir also provides wound care and surgical oncology care.
Do I need a referral to see a general surgeon?
It depends on your insurance. Many patients are referred by a primary care doctor or specialist, and some plans, such as many HMO plans, require a referral. Check with your plan, and call our office at 713-955-9191 with scheduling questions.
Does seeing a surgeon mean I will need surgery?
No. Many conditions are first treated with medicine, lifestyle changes, or monitoring. Dr. Shakir recommends surgery only when the expected benefits outweigh the risks for you.
What is the difference between laparoscopic and open surgery?
Open surgery uses one larger incision. Laparoscopic surgery uses several small incisions, a thin camera, and narrow instruments, and it usually means less pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery.
What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon controls instruments on robotic arms from a console while viewing an enlarged 3-D image. The robot does not act on its own.
Will I go home the same day after surgery?
Often, yes. Many minimally invasive operations, such as most groin hernia repairs and many gallbladder removals, are outpatient. Larger, urgent, or cancer operations may need a hospital stay.
How long does recovery take after general surgery?
After many laparoscopic or robotic procedures, people return to most normal activities within one to two weeks. Open and larger operations take longer, and heavy lifting is often limited for several weeks.
What should I do if I think I have appendicitis or a trapped hernia?
Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Severe abdominal pain, or a hernia bulge that is painful, firm, or cannot be pushed back in, needs emergency care, not an office visit.
Does insurance cover general surgery?
Medically necessary surgery is usually covered, depending on your plan. Dr. Shakir sees patients with many major plans, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Verify your coverage with your insurer and our office.
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)
- Healthy Sooner: Patient Information on Minimally Invasive Surgery, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Robotic Surgery, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Getting Yourself Healthy Before Surgery, MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
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, heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a General Surgery Consultation
Have a hernia, gallbladder symptoms, reflux that medicine is not controlling, hemorrhoids, a skin lump, a slow-healing wound or a new cancer diagnosis? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to find the cause and learn whether surgery is needed and which approach fits you. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now