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Appendicitis Surgery
Appendicitis and Appendix Removal Surgery in Houston
Laparoscopic, Robotic & Open Appendectomy
Appendicitis usually starts as pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen and gets sharper over hours, often with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or fever. Suspected appendicitis is a medical emergency. If you have these symptoms now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for an office appointment.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir treats appendicitis with appendix removal surgery (appendectomy), using laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, or open techniques. His Katy and Sugar Land offices see patients for scheduled care, such as follow-up after an emergency appendectomy, evaluation after antibiotic treatment, and planning for a delayed (interval) appendectomy. Patients come from Richmond, Fulshear, West Houston, and across Greater Houston.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon treating appendicitis 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 laparoscopic, robotic, and open appendectomy, gallbladder surgery, hernia repair, and complex abdominal surgery
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Dr. Shakir
Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Real experiences from patients treated in Katy and Sugar Land.
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At a Glance
Appendicitis at a Glance
- What it is
- Inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen.
- Typical symptoms
- Pain that starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- Urgent warning signs
- Suspected appendicitis needs same-day emergency evaluation. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for worsening abdominal pain, especially with fever or vomiting.
- Who treats it
- A general surgeon. Dr. Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- Main treatment
- Appendectomy, most often laparoscopic. Open surgery is used when needed. Some mild cases or an abscess may be treated first with antibiotics.
- Hospital stay
- Same day to one or two days after an uncomplicated appendectomy; longer if the appendix has burst.
- Typical recovery
- Light activity within about one to three weeks; vigorous exercise usually after four to six weeks.
- Where
- Scheduled consultations and follow-up in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191. The offices are not emergency facilities.
Appendicitis Basics
What Is Appendicitis?
Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, usually caused by a blockage that lets bacteria multiply inside it. The appendix is a small, finger-sized pouch that extends from the large intestine in the lower right abdomen.
The exact role of the appendix is not fully understood. Some researchers believe it may help the intestine recover after infections such as diarrheal illness. In humans it is largely considered a vestigial organ, and people live normally without it. That is why an inflamed appendix is usually removed.
Appendicitis tends to get worse over hours to a few days. Without treatment, the appendix can burst (rupture or perforate). A burst appendix can spread infection through the abdomen (peritonitis) or form a pocket of pus (an abscess). Quick treatment prevents most of these complications, which is why appendectomy is one of the most common emergency operations.
Appendicitis Symptoms
What Does Appendicitis Feel Like?
The classic sign of appendicitis is abdominal pain that begins near the belly button and moves to the lower right side. The pain often starts as a dull ache and becomes sharper and more constant over several hours. Learn more about appendicitis warning signs and why your right side may hurt.
Symptoms in Women, Children, and Older Adults
Appendicitis can be harder to recognize in young children, older adults, and women of childbearing age. In women, symptoms can be mistaken for gynecological problems such as an ovarian cyst or a pelvic infection. Imaging and a pregnancy test help sort out the cause.
Can Appendix Pain Come and Go?
Early appendicitis pain can seem to come and go, but untreated appendicitis usually progresses to constant, more severe pain. Do not wait for pain to settle on its own. Persistent or recurring pain in the lower right abdomen needs prompt medical evaluation the same day. See signs you might need your appendix removed.
Abdominal Pain
Pain often begins around the belly button and then settles in the lower right abdomen, near a spot doctors call McBurney’s point. It may spread to the back or hip and, rarely, to the left side.
Pain With Movement
The pain often worsens with sudden movements, coughing, sneezing, walking, or going over bumps in the car.
Appetite Loss, Nausea & Vomiting
Loss of appetite is common. Nausea or vomiting often develops shortly after the pain begins.
Fever and Chills
A low-grade fever is typical. A higher fever with chills can mean the appendix has burst.
Bloating and Gas
The abdomen may feel swollen, and some people have difficulty passing gas.
Bowel Changes
Constipation or diarrhea can occur, which sometimes makes appendicitis look like a stomach bug.
Suspected Appendicitis Needs Emergency Care
Appendicitis needs emergency care. Get help right away for pain that moves from the belly button to the lower right side, keeps getting worse, or comes with fever, vomiting or a hard, tender abdomen. Do not drive yourself if pain is severe. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Diagnosis
How Is Appendicitis Diagnosed?
Appendicitis is diagnosed with a history, a physical exam, blood and urine tests, and usually imaging, most often in an emergency department. The doctor asks where the pain started, how it has changed, and whether you have fever, vomiting, or bowel changes. The exam includes gentle pressure on the lower right abdomen to check for tenderness.
- Blood tests often show a raised white blood cell count, a sign of infection or inflammation.
- Urine tests help rule out a urinary tract infection or kidney stone.
- A pregnancy test is done for women of childbearing age.
- Imaging confirms the diagnosis and checks for a burst appendix or abscess. A CT scan is common in adults. Ultrasound is often used first in children and during pregnancy, and MRI may be used in pregnancy.
No test is perfect. Occasionally the appendix looks normal at surgery, which is why the surgeon also checks nearby organs during the operation.
Conditions That Can Feel Like Appendicitis
Many conditions cause pain in the lower right abdomen. These include gastroenteritis, constipation, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, ectopic pregnancy, and inflammatory bowel disease. Because the causes overlap, new or worsening right-sided abdominal pain should be checked promptly rather than self-diagnosed.
Treatment Options
Does Appendicitis Always Need Surgery?
Appendectomy remains the standard and most definitive treatment for appendicitis, but it is not the only option for every patient. The right plan depends on whether the appendicitis is uncomplicated or complicated, your age, your health, and the imaging findings.
Antibiotics for Selected Mild Cases
Some mild, uncomplicated cases may be treated with antibiotics alone. This approach avoids an operation at first, but appendicitis can come back, and some patients later need an appendectomy anyway. Patients treated without surgery should be followed closely. The decision between antibiotics and surgery should be shared between you and your doctor.
Why Removing the Appendix Still Matters
Surgery is the only definitive way to examine the appendix for an unexpected tumor. According to the American College of Surgeons, younger patients with appendicitis are more likely to have cancer of the appendix. Every removed appendix is examined by a pathologist, and Dr. Shakir’s training in surgical oncology helps when those results are not routine.
When the Appendix Has Burst or Formed an Abscess
A burst appendix with widespread infection usually needs urgent surgery. When imaging shows a walled-off abscess, the care team may first treat it with antibiotics and, if needed, drainage through a small tube placed under imaging guidance. Surgery to remove the appendix may then be considered after the infection and swelling settle. This is called an interval appendectomy.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Appendicitis Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Appendicitis 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.
Your Care Team
How a Surgeon Treats Appendicitis
A general surgeon confirms the need for surgery, removes the appendix, manages complications, and guides your recovery. Most appendicitis care begins in an emergency department, where the surgeon on call is asked to evaluate the patient. Planned follow-up and non-emergency decisions can then take place in the surgeon’s office.
Surgical Evaluation
The surgeon reviews your symptoms, exam, blood work, and imaging to decide whether you need an appendectomy now, antibiotics first, or drainage of an abscess.
Appendectomy
The appendix is removed laparoscopically, with robotic assistance in selected cases, or through an open incision when the situation calls for it.
Follow-Up After Surgery
An office visit checks your incisions, recovery, and return to activity, and reviews the pathology report on the removed appendix.
Interval Appendectomy Planning
After an abscess or nonoperative treatment, the surgeon discusses whether a planned, delayed appendectomy and any follow-up imaging or colonoscopy are advisable.
Important: If you have symptoms of appendicitis now, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911. Do not call the office to schedule a visit for new, severe abdominal pain. Office appointments with Dr. Shakir are for scheduled, non-emergency care.
Comparing Techniques
Laparoscopic vs. Robotic vs. Open Appendectomy
All three techniques remove the appendix completely. They differ in the size of the incisions and the situations they suit. Dr. Shakir performs open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery and chooses the approach that is safest for your appendix, your anatomy, and your overall health.
| Feature | Laparoscopic | Robotic-Assisted | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Several small incisions | Several small incisions | One 2 to 4 inch incision |
| View | Magnified camera view on a screen | Magnified three-dimensional view | Direct view of the appendix |
| Typical use | Most cases, including many complicated ones | Selected cases, such as interval appendectomy | Burst appendix, abscess or severe inflammation |
| Potential benefits | Less pain, smaller scars, quicker recovery | Precise, steady instrument control | Direct access in difficult cases |
| Limitations | May be converted to open when safer | Not needed for most straightforward cases | Longer recovery and a more visible scar |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
Switching from a laparoscopic to an open operation during surgery is not a complication. It is a safety decision the surgeon makes when the appendix is very inflamed, has burst, or cannot be seen clearly.
The Procedure
What Happens During an Appendectomy?
An appendectomy is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about an hour. Antibiotics are given before surgery to lower the risk of infection.
- Laparoscopic or robotic approach: The surgeon makes a few small incisions, fills the abdomen with gas to create working space, separates the appendix from its blood supply, and removes it through one incision.
- Open approach: The surgeon removes the appendix through a single incision in the lower right abdomen.
- If the appendix has burst: The abdomen is washed out, and a small drain tube may be left in place for a short time.
- After removal: The appendix is sent to a pathologist, who examines it under a microscope.
The gas used in minimally invasive surgery can cause temporary shoulder pain, which usually fades within one to two days.
Delayed Surgery
Interval Appendectomy and Follow-Up Care
An interval appendectomy is a planned removal of the appendix several weeks after an abscess or complicated appendicitis has been treated with antibiotics, with or without drainage. Waiting lets the infection and swelling settle, which can make the operation safer.
Not every patient needs an interval appendectomy. A surgical consultation weighs:
- Whether symptoms have returned
- Your age and overall health
- What the CT scan or other imaging showed
- Whether follow-up imaging or a colonoscopy is advisable, particularly in older adults
- Your preferences after a clear discussion of risks and benefits
Because an inflamed mass can occasionally hide a tumor of the appendix or colon, imaging and pathology are reviewed carefully. When findings are not routine, Dr. Shakir’s board certification in Complex General Surgical Oncology is relevant. Learn more about surgical oncology and colon cancer care.
Preparing for Surgery
Before Appendix Surgery
Preparation depends on whether surgery is an emergency or planned. Most appendectomies happen within hours of diagnosis, so preparation takes place in the hospital.
Before an Emergency Appendectomy
- Nothing to eat or drink
- An IV for fluids, antibiotics, and pain medicine
- Blood tests and, for women of childbearing age, a pregnancy test
- A review of your medications and allergies
- A discussion of the planned approach, risks, and consent
Before a Planned (Interval) Appendectomy
- An office consultation and physical exam
- Review of prior imaging, drainage records, and reports
- Medication review, including blood thinners and diabetes medicines
- Medical clearance and pre-operative testing when appropriate
- Instructions on eating, drinking, and arrival time
See our pre-operative care guidance.
Do not stop prescription medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.
After Surgery
Recovery After an Appendectomy
Most patients recover quickly when the appendix is removed before it bursts. After an uncomplicated laparoscopic appendectomy, many people go home the same day or after one night, and most stays are one to two days. Walking soon after surgery is encouraged.
Most patients return to light, normal activities within about one to three weeks. Vigorous activity and exercise usually resume after about four to six weeks. Recovery is slower after a burst appendix, an abscess, or open surgery, and regaining full energy may take several weeks. Everyone heals at a different pace.
Your timeline depends on:
- Whether the appendix had burst
- Laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery
- Infection or abscess at the time of surgery
- Type of work
- Overall health
- Individual healing
Patients receive individualized guidance on walking, showering, incision care, lifting, driving, exercise, return to work or school, and pain medication. A follow-up visit is usually arranged within a few weeks. See our post-operative care instructions, pain management, and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pages.
Surgical Risks
Risks and Possible Complications of Appendectomy
Appendectomy is a common and generally safe operation, but every surgery carries some risk. Risks are higher when the appendix has already burst. Possible complications include:
- Wound infection
- An abscess, a pocket of pus inside the abdomen, more common after a burst appendix
- Bleeding or blood clots
- A temporary slowdown of the bowel (ileus) or, less often, intestinal blockage
- Injury to nearby organs, which is uncommon
- Reactions to anesthesia or breathing problems
- A hernia at an incision site later on
Call the office if you develop a fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage from an incision, pain that medicine does not control, or nausea and vomiting that keep you from eating or drinking. For severe abdominal pain or swelling, trouble breathing, or chest pain, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Appendicitis Care?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and provides appendectomy and follow-up care at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Laparoscopic, robotic and open options, matched to your case
- Surgical oncology training for findings beyond routine appendicitis
- Plain guidance on when symptoms need the emergency department
- Clear information on risks, recovery and pathology results
- Consultations and follow-up in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Appendicitis Care
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for appendicitis evaluation and surgery, 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 Appendicitis
What should I do if I think I have appendicitis?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Appendicitis needs same-day emergency evaluation. Do not eat or drink, avoid laxatives and enemas, and do not wait for an office appointment.
What kind of doctor removes the appendix?
A general surgeon removes the appendix. Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and performs laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgery.
Where does appendicitis pain start?
It usually starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right abdomen over several hours. It may spread to the back or hip and often worsens with movement, coughing, or walking.
Can appendix pain come and go?
Early appendicitis pain can seem to come and go, but it usually becomes constant and more severe. Persistent or recurring lower right abdominal pain needs prompt medical evaluation the same day.
What happens if appendicitis is not treated?
The appendix can burst and spread infection through the abdomen (peritonitis) or form an abscess. These complications are serious and lengthen recovery, which is why quick treatment matters.
Can appendicitis be treated with antibiotics instead of surgery?
Some mild, uncomplicated cases can be treated with antibiotics alone, but appendicitis may come back and some patients later need surgery. Patients treated this way should be followed closely and decide together with their doctor.
Is laparoscopic appendectomy better than open surgery?
For most patients, laparoscopic surgery means less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker return to activity. Open surgery is still the safer choice in some cases, such as severe inflammation or a burst appendix.
What is the recovery time after an appendectomy?
Most patients return to light, normal activities within about one to three weeks and to vigorous exercise after about four to six weeks. Recovery takes longer after a burst appendix or open surgery.
Can I live normally without my appendix?
Yes. People live normally without an appendix, and its removal causes no known major long-term health problems.
Does insurance cover appendicitis surgery?
Coverage depends on your specific policy, network status, deductibles, and authorization requirements. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major plans, and the office can help verify benefits for scheduled care.
Sources and references
- Appendicitis, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Appendicitis, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Appendectomy, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Appendix Removal (Appendectomy) Surgery: Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Younger patients with appendicitis are more likely to have cancer of the appendix, American College of Surgeons, 2022
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, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule an Appendicitis Consultation
Treated for appendicitis, sent home on antibiotics, or told you may need an interval appendectomy? Schedule a non-emergency visit with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to review your recovery, pathology results and next steps. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston. For new or severe abdominal pain, call 911.
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