Hernia Repair • Houston • Katy • Sugar Land
Hernia Surgeon Serving Houston, TX
Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic Hernia Repair
Houston patients with a groin bulge, a belly button hernia or a hernia that came back after an earlier repair can be evaluated by Dr. Murtaza Shakir, a board-certified general surgeon at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas. He repairs hernias with open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques and chooses the approach for each patient.
Appointments are held at our Katy and Sugar Land offices, which serve patients from West Houston, Southwest Houston and the rest of Greater Houston.
Double Board Certified
American Board of Surgery: General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
Fellowship Trained
Two-year Surgical Oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Houstonia Top Doctor
Recognized by Houstonia Magazine among Houston’s top general surgeons.
Katy & Sugar Land Offices
Two offices on the Grand Parkway serving Greater Houston.
Who Should You See for a Hernia?
A general surgeon is the specialist who evaluates and repairs hernias. A primary care doctor, urgent care or emergency room may be the first to notice one, but only surgery closes the weak spot in the abdominal wall, so the next step is usually a surgical consultation.
Adult hernias do not heal on their own. Some small hernias that cause no symptoms can be watched safely, while others grow, become painful or trap tissue. Dr. Shakir helps you decide which group you are in and when repair makes sense.
Signs It Is Time for a Surgical Opinion
- A bulge in the groin, abdomen or belly button that appears when you stand or strain
- Aching, burning or heaviness that worsens by the end of the day
- Pain when lifting, coughing or exercising
- A bulge near an old surgical scar
- A hernia that is getting larger or harder to push back in
- Groin pain without a visible bulge that has not been explained
Which Hernias Does Dr. Shakir Repair?
Dr. Shakir treats the full range of adult abdominal wall hernias, from routine first-time repairs to hernias that have returned after previous surgery.
- Inguinal hernias, the most common type, in the groin
- Umbilical hernias at or near the belly button
- Ventral and incisional hernias in the abdominal wall or an old incision
- Recurrent hernias that came back after an earlier repair
- Femoral and epigastric hernias
Robotic, Laparoscopic or Open Repair?
Robotic hernia surgery is not automatically better; it is one of three good options. The right choice depends on the hernia’s type and size, whether it has been repaired before, the presence of old mesh, your anatomy and your general health.
Robotic Repair
One of Dr. Shakir’s most frequently used techniques, especially for ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias where precise mesh placement matters. Robotic hernia repair
Laparoscopic Repair
Small incisions and a camera. A well-established option for many groin hernias, including hernias on both sides that can be fixed in one operation.
Open Repair
A single incision directly over the hernia. Still a sound choice for many small umbilical hernias and for some patients who are not good candidates for general anesthesia.
Go to the emergency room if a hernia becomes stuck. A bulge that turns hard, very tender, red or dark and will not go back in, especially with nausea, vomiting or no gas, can mean trapped or strangulated tissue. This needs emergency care, not an office appointment.
A CT Scan Showed a Hernia. Do You Need Surgery?
Not necessarily. Hernias are often found on a CT scan or ultrasound done for another reason, such as an ER visit for abdominal pain. Whether that hernia needs repair depends on its size, what is inside it, and whether it matches your symptoms.
Bring the imaging report, and the disc if you have it, to your consultation (more in our guide to hernias found on CT). Dr. Shakir will examine you, compare the findings with how you feel and explain whether repair is recommended now, can be planned for later, or is not needed.
What Your Hernia Consultation Covers
- A focused history and physical exam, standing and lying down
- Review of any CT, ultrasound or MRI you have had
- Whether to repair now, schedule later or watch carefully
- The recommended approach and whether mesh is advised
- Expected recovery, time off work and lifting limits
- Insurance verification and authorization steps
How Long Is Recovery After Hernia Surgery?
Most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within days, but full recovery takes longer. Timing depends on the hernia and the technique used, so Dr. Shakir gives each patient specific instructions.
First Few Days
Walking is encouraged right away. Soreness is expected and usually improves steadily over the first week.
Returning to Work
Many people with desk jobs return within one to two weeks after a minimally invasive repair. Physical jobs usually need longer.
Lifting and Exercise
Heavy lifting is limited for several weeks while the repair heals. You will get a timeline for your job and activities. Recovery guide
Meet Your Hernia Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is a board-certified general surgeon for whom hernia repair is a core part of practice. He is certified by the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and in Complex General Surgical Oncology, completed residency at Riverside Methodist Hospital and a two-year fellowship at UPMC, and has been recognized by Houstonia Magazine.
His oncology training informs how he approaches complex abdominal wall problems, including large incisional hernias and hernias that have been repaired before.
Where Are Houston Hernia Patients Seen?
Houston hernia patients are seen at our Katy or Sugar Land office; the practice has no office inside Houston city limits. Both locations offer the same surgeon and the same hernia services.
Katy Office
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D
Katy, TX 77494
Convenient for patients from West Houston, the Energy Corridor, Cinco Ranch and Fulshear.
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
Convenient for patients from Southwest Houston, Missouri City, Stafford and Richmond.
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(713) 955-9191
Learn more about hernia care in Katy and hernia care in Sugar Land.
Many Major Insurance Plans Accepted
We accept patients with many major insurance plans, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
AetnaCignaUnitedHealthcareBlue Cross Blue ShieldOther Insurance Plans Accepted
What Hernia Patients Say
★★★★★
“Dr.Murtaza did a routine and successful Hernia repair with no complications. The staff was very kind and accompanying of my schedule as I am constantly out of town.”
Jide Eboh · Houston · Hernia repair
★★★★★
“Dr. Shakir is a wonderful surgeon who patiently listens to you and answers your questions. His office staff is equally warm and caring.”
Lisa Hadley · Google review
★★★★★
“Dr. Shakir is the best… he patiently answered all my questions… Two weeks after surgery I am feeling great.”
Mercedes Shepherd · Surgery patient
Hernia Questions From Houston Patients
Is there a hernia surgeon near me in Houston?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, a board-certified general surgeon, sees Houston hernia patients at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas in Katy (410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 4D) and Sugar Land (17510 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320). The practice does not have an office inside Houston city limits.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
No. An adult hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall that does not close on its own. A support garment may ease symptoms, but only surgical repair fixes the hernia. Some small, painless hernias can be monitored instead of repaired right away.
Can I have a hernia without a bulge?
Yes. Small hernias, especially in the groin, can cause pain, burning or pressure before any bulge is visible. An exam and sometimes an ultrasound or CT scan can confirm the diagnosis.
Is robotic hernia surgery better than laparoscopic surgery?
Not for every patient. Robotic repair is especially useful for many ventral, incisional and recurrent hernias, while laparoscopic and open repairs remain excellent choices for other hernias. Dr. Shakir recommends the technique that fits your hernia and health.
How long will I be off work after hernia surgery?
Many patients with desk jobs return within one to two weeks after minimally invasive repair. Jobs that involve heavy lifting usually require a longer break. Dr. Shakir gives you a specific plan based on your repair and your work.
Will my hernia repair use mesh?
Mesh is used in most adult hernia repairs because it lowers the chance the hernia comes back. Very small hernias may be closed with stitches alone. Dr. Shakir discusses whether mesh is recommended for your repair.
Do you accept insurance for hernia surgery?
The practice accepts many major insurance plans, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Coverage varies by plan, so please verify your benefits before surgery. Insurance information
Hernia Articles Worth Reading
Schedule a Hernia Evaluation
Houston patients can meet Dr. Shakir at our Katy or Sugar Land office to find out whether a hernia needs repair and which approach fits.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. For severe abdominal pain or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated September 30, 2026.