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Robotic Hernia Repair
Robotic Hernia Repair in Katy & Sugar Land, TX
Minimally Invasive Hernia Surgery With Robotic Assistance
If you have a groin, belly button, or abdominal wall hernia, you may have heard that it can be fixed “with the robot.” Robotic hernia repair is a minimally invasive operation done through a few small incisions. The surgeon performs every step; the robotic system holds and steadies the instruments and turns his hand movements into precise movements inside the abdomen.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir offers robotic repair for inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias when it offers a real advantage for the patient. Because he also performs laparoscopic and open repair, the recommendation is based on the hernia, not the technology. He sees patients in Katy and Sugar Land. For an overview of every hernia we treat, visit the main hernia repair page.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and hernia specialist 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 robotic, laparoscopic, and open hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and complex abdominal surgery
Patient Reviews
Patient Experiences With 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 robotic hernia repair?
- Which hernias suit robotic repair
- Who is a good candidate?
- Limitations
- Meet your surgeon
- Robotic vs. laparoscopic vs. open
- What the research shows
- Mesh and previous surgery
- Before surgery
- What happens during surgery
- Recovery and pain
- Risks and complications
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Robotic Hernia Repair at a Glance
- What it is
- A minimally invasive hernia repair in which the surgeon controls robotic instruments from a console in the operating room. Nothing is automated.
- Who performs it
- Dr. Murtaza Shakir, board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, who also performs laparoscopic and open repair.
- Hernias it can suit
- Inguinal (including both sides and recurrent groin hernias), ventral, incisional, recurrent, and larger umbilical hernias, including those with a separation of the abdominal muscles.
- When another approach may be better
- Small, simple hernias; patients who cannot have general anesthesia; very dense scarring or previous mesh; emergency (strangulated) hernias; and very large defects needing open reconstruction.
- The operation
- General anesthesia, three or four incisions of about 8 to 12 mm, and usually one to two hours of operating time. Most patients go home the same day.
- Typical recovery
- Walking the same day, desk work in a few days to a week, physical work in two to four weeks, and heavy lifting after about four to six weeks.
- Urgent warning signs
- Sudden severe pain, or a firm, tender, or discolored bulge that will not go back in, especially with vomiting. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
How It Works
What Is Robotic Hernia Repair?
Robotic hernia repair is a type of minimally invasive hernia surgery in which the surgeon operates through small incisions using instruments mounted on a robotic system. It repairs the same hernia, in the same layers of the abdominal wall, as a laparoscopic repair. What changes is how the surgeon holds and moves the instruments.
The word “robotic” is easy to misunderstand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration describes these systems as devices that cannot perform surgery without direct human control. Every cut, stitch, and movement is made by the surgeon.
The Surgeon Operates; the System Assists
Dr. Shakir sits at a console a few feet from the operating table and controls the instruments in real time. The robotic arms hold the camera and instruments steady and filter out natural hand tremor. The instrument tips have “wrists” that bend and rotate in ways that straight laparoscopic instruments cannot.
The camera gives a magnified, high-definition, three-dimensional view of the inside of the abdominal wall. Those features help most when the surgeon needs to sew or position mesh precisely in a tight space, which is much of what hernia repair involves.
What the Robotic Platform Is Not
- Not automated. The system does nothing on its own.
- Not a different repair. The hernia is still closed and, in most adults, reinforced with mesh.
- Not faster. Setting up and docking the system usually adds operating time.
- Not automatically safer. Safety depends on choosing the right patient, the right hernia, and a surgeon trained on the system.
- Not the right choice for every hernia. A small, simple hernia may be repaired just as well with a shorter open operation.
What It Looks Like From the Patient’s Side
For you, a robotic repair looks much like a laparoscopic one: general anesthesia, three or four small incisions, and usually a same-day discharge. The difference is inside the operating room, not in what you need to do to prepare or recover.
Suitable Hernias
Which Hernias Can Be Repaired Robotically?
Most common adult hernias can be repaired robotically in the right patient. Robotic repair is not reserved for complex cases, and it is not appropriate for every hernia. These are the situations in which it is most often considered.
Inguinal (Groin) Hernias
Robotic inguinal repair places mesh behind the abdominal wall, in the same plane as a laparoscopic repair. From inside, one piece of mesh covers the sites where direct, indirect, and femoral hernias form. Read about inguinal hernia repair and our step-by-step guide to robotic inguinal hernia repair and recovery.
Hernias on Both Sides
Both groin hernias can be repaired in one operation through the same three or four incisions, with mesh placed on each side. You have one anesthetic and one recovery. An open repair would need a separate incision on each side.
Ventral Hernias
For hernias of the front abdominal wall, the opening can be sewn closed from inside and mesh placed within the layers of the abdominal wall rather than directly against the intestine. See our guide to robotic ventral hernia repair and the ventral and incisional hernia repair page.
Incisional Hernias
Hernias at old surgical scars often have more than one opening along the incision and a wall weakened by scar. Robotically, each defect can be found and sutured closed, and a wide mesh placed in the wall layers, without reopening the full length of the old scar. See incisional hernia repair.
Umbilical Hernias and Diastasis
Small belly button hernias are often repaired open through one incision. Larger umbilical hernias, hernias in patients with a heavier abdominal wall, and umbilical hernias with a separation of the rectus muscles (diastasis recti) may be better suited to a robotic repair with mesh, in which the separated muscles can be brought together at the same time. See umbilical hernia repair and umbilical hernias in adults.
Recurrent Hernias
When a hernia returns after an open repair, approaching it from inside the abdomen avoids the old scar tissue. The magnified view helps identify previous mesh and plan around it. See recurrent hernia repair and what to do when a hernia comes back.
Candidacy
Who Is a Good Candidate for Robotic Hernia Repair?
A good candidate is someone whose hernia needs repair, who can safely have general anesthesia, and whose hernia benefits from being repaired from inside the abdominal wall. Whether that describes you depends on the hernia, your previous surgery, and your overall health.
Robotic Repair Is Often Considered When
- You have hernias in both groins
- A groin hernia has come back after an earlier open repair
- A ventral or incisional hernia needs the defect sewn closed and mesh placed within the wall layers
- An umbilical hernia is larger, or comes with a separation of the abdominal muscles
- There is more than one defect along an old incision
- An open approach would mean a long incision through scarred tissue
What Dr. Shakir Reviews Before Recommending It
- The type, size, and location of the hernia, and whether it is first-time or recurrent
- Operative reports from earlier abdominal or hernia surgery, including any mesh used
- Imaging, especially a CT scan for most ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias
- Heart and lung health, and whether you can safely have general anesthesia and the gas used to inflate the abdomen
- Smoking, weight, diabetes, and blood thinners, which affect healing and risk
- Your work and activity goals
If you are preparing questions for your visit, see our list of questions to ask your hernia surgeon.
Hernia Symptoms That Need Emergency Care
Get emergency care for sudden, severe hernia pain, a firm, tender or discolored bulge, a bulge that no longer goes back in, or vomiting, a swollen abdomen or trouble passing gas or stool. These can signal a trapped hernia. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Limitations
When Open or Laparoscopic Surgery May Be the Better Choice
Robotic surgery is a tool, not a guarantee. Dr. Shakir is likely to recommend a different approach when:
- The hernia is small and simple, and an open repair under regional anesthesia would serve you just as well
- You cannot safely have general anesthesia, or cannot tolerate inflation of the abdomen with carbon dioxide
- Dense scar tissue or previous mesh makes entering the abdomen unsafe
- A previous laparoscopic or robotic repair has failed, so an open repair from the front reaches untouched tissue
- The hernia is incarcerated or strangulated and needs emergency surgery
- The abdominal wall defect is so large that a staged, open reconstruction is more appropriate
An honest recommendation is more valuable than any particular technique. Dr. Shakir will tell you plainly when a simpler operation is the better choice.
Practical Limitations to Know About
Robotic repair always requires general anesthesia. It usually takes longer in the operating room than an open or laparoscopic repair of the same hernia. On rare occasions, a minimally invasive operation is converted to an open one during surgery for safety, for example because of dense scar tissue or bleeding.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Robotic Hernia Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Robotic hernia repair 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.
Comparing Approaches
Robotic vs. Laparoscopic vs. Open Hernia Repair
All three approaches repair the hernia and, in most adults, reinforce it with mesh. They differ in incision size, where the surgeon works from, how the mesh is placed, and how recovery typically feels. For a detailed side-by-side look, see our robotic vs. open hernia repair comparison.
| Feature | Robotic | Laparoscopic | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Smaller incisions away from the hernia | Similar small incisions | One larger incision over the hernia |
| Anesthesia | General | General | Often regional |
| Early recovery | Many report less early incision soreness | Similar to robotic | One larger incision to heal |
| Best fit | Suturing defects closed, mesh within the wall | Comparable for a simple one-sided groin hernia | Sound choice for many first-time hernias |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
The Evidence
What Does Research Show About Robotic Hernia Repair?
Research so far shows that robotic repair is a safe option in selected patients, but not that it is better than laparoscopic repair for every hernia. Patients deserve a balanced picture before choosing.
Groin Hernias
A randomized trial published in JAMA Surgery in 2020 (the RIVAL trial) compared robotic with laparoscopic repair of straightforward inguinal hernias. It found no clinical benefit for the robotic approach, along with longer operating times and higher cost.
Ventral Hernias
A randomized trial from Houston, published in The BMJ in 2020, compared robotic with laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Hospital stay, complications, and recurrence did not clearly differ. Operating time was longer and cost to the health system was higher with the robotic approach. The authors called for larger studies.
What This Means for You
For a simple hernia, a well-done laparoscopic or open repair is a very reasonable choice. The robotic platform is most useful for technical tasks such as closing a defect from inside, placing mesh within the wall layers, and working around scar tissue or old mesh. Whether those advantages lead to better long-term results is still being studied. That is why Dr. Shakir recommends robotic repair case by case.
Planning Details
Mesh Placement and Previous Surgery
Most robotic hernia repairs use mesh, because it reinforces the repair and lowers the chance of recurrence for most adult hernias. What the robotic approach changes is where the mesh goes and how it is secured.
Where the Mesh Sits
In a groin repair, mesh lies behind the abdominal wall muscles, in front of the thin lining of the abdomen. In many ventral and incisional repairs, mesh can be placed within the layers of the abdominal wall, away from the intestine, and secured with sutures rather than tacks.
For some small ventral and umbilical hernias, the defect can be closed with sutures alone. Whether mesh is used, what type, and where it sits are reviewed in detail at your consultation.
If You Have Had Abdominal Surgery Before
Prior operations leave scar tissue that can make any minimally invasive approach harder. The robotic view and instruments are often helpful here, but very dense scarring or previous mesh can still make an open repair safer. Dr. Shakir reviews your prior operative reports and imaging before deciding.
Patients whose previous laparoscopic or robotic repair has failed are often better served by an open approach from the front, through tissue the first operation did not touch.
Preparing for Surgery
Before Robotic Hernia Surgery
Preparation starts at your consultation. Dr. Shakir confirms the diagnosis, explains the recommended approach and mesh plan, and reviews what anesthesia and recovery will involve.
What to Bring and Share
- Operative reports from any previous hernia or abdominal surgery
- CT, ultrasound, or MRI reports and images
- A full list of medications and supplements, including blood thinners and diabetes medications
- Allergies and any past problems with anesthesia
- Heart or lung conditions
Steps That Help Healing
- Stop smoking well before surgery
- Bring blood sugar under good control if you have diabetes
- Treat a chronic cough or constipation that causes straining
- Complete any pre-operative testing or medical clearance requested
- Arrange a ride home and help for the first day or two
Do not stop any prescription medication unless the appropriate healthcare professional tells you to. Follow our pre-operative instructions and the fasting instructions you receive before surgery.
Surgery Day
What Happens During Robotic Hernia Surgery
Robotic hernia surgery is done under general anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours of operating time. A one-sided groin hernia is at the shorter end; bilateral, ventral, incisional, and recurrent repairs take longer. Including check-in, anesthesia, and time in the recovery room, plan on spending most of the day at the surgical center.
Step by Step
- Three or four small incisions, usually 8 to 12 mm, are made in the abdomen, away from the hernia itself
- The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide to create working space
- The robotic camera and instruments are placed through the incisions
- The system is docked, and Dr. Shakir moves to the console
- The hernia contents are returned to the abdomen and the defect is measured
- Mesh is positioned and secured, or the defect is closed with sutures, or both
- Instruments are removed and the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures
Going Home
Most patients go home a few hours after surgery. Larger ventral or incisional repairs may involve an overnight stay for pain control and observation. You will need someone to drive you home.
After Surgery
Recovery After Robotic Hernia Repair
Most patients walk the same day, return to desk work within about a week, and resume heavy lifting after four to six weeks. Your own timeline depends on the size and type of the repair, your job, and how you heal. Follow our post-operative instructions and the timeline Dr. Shakir gives you.
Recovery Timeline
- Same day: home a few hours after surgery for most patients; walking is encouraged from day one.
- First week: soreness at the incisions and a bloated feeling from the gas used during surgery, both of which fade within days. Showering is usually fine after 24 to 48 hours.
- Work: desk work is often possible within a few days to a week; physical work usually takes two to four weeks. A work note with restrictions is provided on request.
- Driving: once you are off narcotic pain medication and can brake comfortably, typically within a few days.
- Lifting and exercise: light activity right away; heavy lifting and core exercise are typically limited for four to six weeks, and longer after larger abdominal wall repairs.
How Painful Is Robotic Hernia Surgery?
Usually less painful than people expect. Because the incisions are small and the mesh is placed without pulling tissue together under tension, early pain is usually moderate and improves quickly. Most patients manage with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, with a short course of stronger medication available if needed.
Shoulder-tip discomfort from the carbon dioxide gas is common for a day or two and resolves on its own. Larger repairs, repairs through extensive scar tissue, and some individuals need more support. Tell the team; good pain control helps you walk sooner, which speeds recovery.
More Recovery Guides
Surgical Risks
Risks of Robotic Hernia Repair
Robotic hernia repair carries the same main risks as other hernia surgery, such as bleeding or infection at the incisions, fluid buildup, lasting pain or the hernia returning. 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 Robotic Hernia Repair?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and offers robotic hernia repair when it helps, at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Robotic, laparoscopic and open repair, matched to your hernia
- Robotic repair offered when it helps, not by default
- Experience with incisional, recurrent and large ventral hernias
- Clear plan for approach, mesh, anesthesia and recovery
- Consultations and follow-up in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Robotic Hernia Repair
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for hernia evaluation and robotic, laparoscopic, or open hernia repair, 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 Robotic Hernia Repair
Is the robot doing the surgery?
No. The surgeon controls every movement from a console beside the patient. The system holds the instruments, removes tremor, and provides a magnified 3D view. Nothing is automated.
Is robotic hernia repair better than laparoscopic?
Not universally. For a simple one-sided groin hernia, results are comparable, and randomized trials have found longer operating times and higher costs with the robotic approach. The robotic platform helps most with technical tasks such as suturing a defect closed and placing mesh within the abdominal wall.
Is robotic hernia repair better than open surgery?
Not for every hernia. Open repair is a sound choice for many small, first-time hernias and can often be done under regional anesthesia. Robotic repair uses smaller incisions away from the hernia but requires general anesthesia.
What hernias can be repaired robotically?
Inguinal, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias can all be repaired robotically in appropriately selected patients. Very small simple hernias and emergency (strangulated) hernias are usually handled with other approaches.
Does robotic hernia repair use mesh?
Usually. Mesh lowers recurrence for most adult hernias. The robotic approach allows the mesh to be placed within the abdominal wall layers and secured with sutures. Some small defects can be closed with sutures alone.
How long does robotic hernia repair take?
Usually one to two hours of operating time. A one-sided groin hernia is at the shorter end; bilateral, ventral, incisional, and recurrent repairs take longer. Including check-in, anesthesia, and recovery, plan on most of a day at the surgical center.
How painful is robotic hernia surgery?
Most patients describe moderate soreness for a few days, controlled with over-the-counter medication. Gas-related shoulder discomfort for a day or two is common. Larger repairs can be more uncomfortable.
How long is recovery after robotic hernia repair?
Walking the same day, desk work within about a week, physical work in two to four weeks, and heavy lifting or core exercise after roughly four to six weeks. Larger abdominal wall repairs may take longer.
Can a hernia come back after robotic repair?
Yes, although recurrence after a mesh repair is uncommon. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic cough, and lifting too soon increase the risk. Recurrent hernias can be repaired again.
Is robotic hernia repair covered by insurance?
Hernia repair is generally covered when medically necessary, and coverage does not usually depend on whether the repair is open, laparoscopic, or robotic. Benefits and authorization rules vary by plan, so our office verifies benefits before scheduling.
Sources and references
- Computer-Assisted Surgical Systems, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Robotic Inguinal vs Transabdominal Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair: The RIVAL Randomized Clinical Trial, Prabhu AS et al., JAMA Surgery, 2020
- Robotic versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: multicenter, blinded randomized controlled trial, Olavarria OA et al., The BMJ, 2020
- Inguinal hernia repair, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ventral hernia repair, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, 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 a painful, firm, or discolored hernia bulge, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Robotic Hernia Repair Consultation
Have a hernia and want to know whether minimally invasive robotic repair is right for you? Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to learn whether robotic, laparoscopic or open repair fits your hernia and history, and what recovery will involve. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now