EN
ES
UR
HI
Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder Surgery in Greater Houston
Laparoscopic & Robotic Gallbladder Removal
Recurring pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea after meals, or repeated gallbladder attacks often point to gallstones. Gallstones that cause symptoms tend to keep causing them and can lead to serious complications, but gallstones found by chance do not always need surgery.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir first confirms whether your symptoms are coming from the gallbladder, then recommends whether removal is needed and which approach is safest. He performs laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder surgery when appropriate and sees patients in Katy and Sugar Land, serving Richmond, Fulshear, West Houston, and Greater Houston.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon and gallbladder 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 laparoscopic and robotic gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and complex abdominal surgery
Patient Reviews
What Patients Say About Gallbladder Surgery
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 gallbladder surgery?
- Conditions we treat
- Symptoms and when to see a surgeon
- After an ultrasound or ER visit
- How it is diagnosed
- Do all gallstones need surgery?
- Meet your surgeon
- How the decision is made
- Laparoscopic vs. robotic vs. open
- Surgery day
- Before surgery
- Recovery
- Life after gallbladder removal
- Risks and complications
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Gallbladder Surgery at a Glance
- What it is
- Cholecystectomy: surgical removal of the gallbladder, most often for gallstones that cause pain or complications.
- Who treats it
- A general surgeon. Dr. Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology.
- Common reasons
- Recurring gallbladder attacks, cholecystitis, bile duct stones, gallstone pancreatitis, and certain gallbladder polyps.
- Surgical options
- Laparoscopic removal for most patients, robotic surgery in selected cases, and open surgery when a minimally invasive approach is not safe.
- Hospital stay
- Many patients go home the same day after uncomplicated minimally invasive surgery; complex cases may need observation or a hospital stay.
- Typical recovery
- Many people return to normal activity in about a week after laparoscopic surgery; heavy lifting and open surgery take longer.
- Urgent warning signs
- Abdominal pain lasting several hours, fever or chills, yellow skin or eyes, or persistent vomiting. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
Gallbladder Basics
What Is Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallbladder surgery, medically called a cholecystectomy, removes the gallbladder so that gallstones and diseased gallbladder tissue can no longer cause attacks. It is a common abdominal operation, and most are performed with minimally invasive techniques.
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ beneath the liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver, and squeezes it into the small intestine after meals, especially fatty ones. Problems usually begin when gallstones, hardened deposits of bile, block the gallbladder’s outlet.
The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it. After removal, the liver keeps making bile, which flows directly into the small intestine, and most people live and eat normally. New to the topic? Start with what the gallbladder does, or read more about gallbladder removal surgery.
Conditions
Gallbladder Conditions We Treat
Dr. Shakir evaluates and treats the full range of gallbladder conditions, from simple gallstones to bile duct stones and concerning gallbladder findings. If you are unsure where your symptoms fit, review the early warning signs of gallbladder disease.
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder. Many people have gallstones without symptoms, while others develop recurring pain when a stone interferes with normal drainage. See gallstones: symptoms and treatment.
Symptomatic Cholelithiasis
This is the medical term for gallstones that cause symptoms, usually recurring upper abdominal pain after eating, along with nausea or digestive discomfort. It is the most common reason for gallbladder removal.
Acute Cholecystitis
Acute cholecystitis is sudden inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by a stone blocking its outlet. It causes persistent right upper abdominal pain, often with fever, nausea, vomiting, and tenderness. Learn the symptoms of acute cholecystitis.
Chronic Cholecystitis
Repeated episodes of inflammation can scar the gallbladder and lead to recurrent pain, food-related symptoms, nausea, and ongoing abdominal discomfort.
Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis means a gallstone has moved into the common bile duct. These stones can block bile drainage and cause jaundice, infection, or pancreatitis, and they often need treatment before or around the time of gallbladder surgery.
Gallstone Pancreatitis
A gallstone can block drainage near the pancreas and trigger pancreatitis. Once the acute episode is treated, gallbladder removal is often recommended to lower the risk of another episode.
Gallbladder Polyps
Most gallbladder polyps are small and benign. Some need ultrasound monitoring or surgical evaluation depending on their size, appearance, growth, symptoms, and individual risk factors.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gallbladder cancer is uncommon and requires specialized surgical planning. Dr. Shakir’s board certification in Complex General Surgical Oncology adds expertise when imaging or other findings raise concern. Learn more about surgical oncology.
Some patients have gallbladder-type pain without gallstones. In selected cases, testing may point to a gallbladder that does not empty normally, called biliary dyskinesia.
For a full patient guide, read understanding gallstones and gallbladder surgery, and see what affects gallbladder surgery costs in Texas.
Gallbladder Symptoms
What Does Gallbladder Pain Feel Like?
Gallbladder pain is usually a steady ache in the upper right abdomen, beneath the ribs, though some people feel it in the upper middle abdomen. It often starts after a meal, can last from several minutes to several hours, and may spread to the back or right shoulder. Learn why gallbladder pain often follows meals and how it can radiate to the back or shoulder.
- Upper right abdominal pain
- Pain after eating, especially fatty or heavy meals
- Pain lasting several minutes to several hours
- Pain spreading to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Abdominal tenderness
Gallbladder symptoms can resemble acid reflux, stomach disorders, liver or pancreatic problems, and other abdominal conditions, so careful evaluation comes before any decision about surgery. Compare gallbladder problems and acid reflux, or read the full guide to gallbladder attack symptoms.
When to See a Gallbladder Surgeon
See a gallbladder surgeon when gallstones cause repeated pain, after an ER visit for gallbladder pain, after cholecystitis or gallstone pancreatitis, or when your doctor refers you. Patients commonly seek surgical evaluation for:
- Repeated upper right abdominal pain
- Pain after eating, particularly fatty or heavy meals
- Gallstones found on ultrasound
- Recurrent gallbladder attacks
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis
- Nausea or vomiting with abdominal pain
- Gallstones in the common bile duct
- Gallstone-related pancreatitis
- Certain gallbladder polyps
- Previous emergency visits for gallbladder pain
A consultation clarifies whether removal is needed now, later, or not at all.
When Gallbladder Symptoms Need Urgent Medical Attention
Seek prompt care if abdominal pain lasts several hours or comes with fever, chills, persistent vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools. These can signal gallbladder inflammation or infection, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Next Steps
Gallstones on Ultrasound or After an ER Visit: What Happens Next?
If gallstones match your symptoms, the next step is a surgical consultation; if they were found by chance and you feel fine, monitoring is usually enough. What comes next depends on how the stones were found.
Gallstones Found on Ultrasound
Gallstones often appear on an ultrasound or CT scan ordered for another reason. Stones that have never caused symptoms usually do not need treatment. If you have had upper abdominal pain, nausea after meals, or attacks that fit the gallbladder pattern, schedule an evaluation and bring the ultrasound report to your visit. Read more about gallstones and when they need treatment.
Gallbladder Pain After an ER Visit
If the emergency room treated a gallbladder attack and sent you home, schedule a surgical follow-up rather than waiting for the next episode, because one attack is often followed by more. Bring your ER discharge papers, imaging, and lab results. Return to the ER for fever, yellow skin or eyes, or pain lasting several hours. See what to do after the ER finds gallstones.
Diagnosis
How Is Gallbladder Disease Diagnosed?
Gallbladder disease is diagnosed by matching your symptoms with a physical exam, an abdominal ultrasound, and blood tests. Dr. Shakir asks where the pain starts, how long attacks last, what triggers them, and whether you have needed emergency care, and then examines your abdomen.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound is usually the first imaging test. It can show gallstones, gallbladder wall changes or inflammation, an enlarged bile duct, and other gallbladder abnormalities such as polyps.
Blood Tests
Depending on the situation, blood tests check liver enzymes, bilirubin, pancreatic enzymes, and signs of infection or inflammation. Abnormal results can point to a stone in the bile duct or to pancreatitis.
HIDA Scan When Appropriate
A HIDA scan is a nuclear medicine test that shows how bile moves through the gallbladder. It may be considered when symptoms suggest gallbladder disease but the diagnosis remains uncertain. Not every patient needs one.
Common Bile Duct Evaluation
Gallstones occasionally move into the common bile duct and block normal bile flow. When tests suggest this, additional imaging or a procedure to clear the duct may be needed before or around the time of gallbladder surgery.
Please bring prior imaging reports, lab results, and ER records to your consultation.
Timing of Surgery
Do All Gallstones Need Surgery?
No. Gallstones that have never caused symptoms usually do not need treatment. Surgery is generally considered once gallstones cause symptoms or complications, because attacks tend to return and can become more serious.
The decision to remove the gallbladder should rest on your symptoms, medical history, exam, imaging, lab results, and overall health, not simply on the presence of gallstones. Medicines that dissolve gallstones help only a small group of patients, work slowly, and stones can return. Read more about whether gallstones always need surgery.
What Can Happen If Symptomatic Gallstones Are Not Treated?
- More frequent or more severe attacks
- Acute cholecystitis, inflammation or infection of the gallbladder
- A stone moving into the bile duct, causing jaundice or infection
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- The need for urgent surgery instead of a planned operation
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Gallbladder Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Gallbladder 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.
Surgical Evaluation
How Dr. Shakir Decides Whether Gallbladder Removal Is Right for You
Gallbladder surgery should not be recommended just because gallstones appear on a scan. The real question is whether the gallbladder is causing your symptoms or creating a meaningful risk of complications. Dr. Shakir weighs these eight factors before making a recommendation.
Symptoms and Pain Pattern
Where the pain begins, whether it follows meals, how long attacks last, whether pain travels to the back or shoulder, whether attacks are becoming more frequent, and whether nausea or vomiting occurs.
Previous Gallbladder Attacks
Repeated typical attacks, or earlier emergency and urgent care visits, weigh toward surgery. Gallstones discovered by chance that have never caused symptoms call for a different plan.
Ultrasound Findings
Gallstones, gallbladder wall changes, signs of inflammation, an enlarged bile duct, or polyps each affect the urgency and type of treatment.
Blood Test Results
Abnormal liver enzymes, bilirubin, or pancreatic enzymes can signal a bile duct stone or pancreatitis that needs attention before or alongside surgery.
HIDA Scan Results
When the diagnosis remains uncertain, a HIDA scan can help show whether the gallbladder is working normally. Not every patient requires one.
Common Bile Duct Stones
A stone in the bile duct may need to be cleared before or around the time of gallbladder surgery, which affects timing and planning.
History of Gallstone Pancreatitis
A previous episode of gallstone-related pancreatitis is an important part of surgical decision-making, because removing the gallbladder lowers the risk of another episode.
Overall Health and Surgical History
Medical conditions, previous abdominal surgery, current medications, imaging results, and anesthesia considerations shape both the decision and the safest approach.
The goal is to recommend surgery when the expected benefits outweigh the risks, and to select the safest surgical approach for each patient.
Comparing Techniques
Laparoscopic vs. Robotic vs. Open Gallbladder Surgery
Most patients have laparoscopic gallbladder removal; robotic surgery is used in selected cases, and open surgery is reserved for situations where a minimally invasive approach is not safe. All three remove the entire gallbladder. The priority is not the smallest incision but the safest operation.
| Feature | Laparoscopic | Robotic | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Three or four small incisions | Several small incisions | One larger incision below the right ribs |
| Typical use | Most planned gallbladder removals | Selected patients, based on anatomy and history | Severe inflammation, heavy scarring or bleeding |
| Hospital stay | Many go home the same day | Same-day discharge common if uncomplicated | Usually several days |
| Key point | Smaller scars and a shorter recovery | Not automatically best for every patient | Longer recovery, often four to six weeks |
Typical patterns only. Dr. Shakir recommends an approach after your exam.
Compare the two minimally invasive approaches in our guide to robotic vs. laparoscopic gallbladder surgery.
Surgery Day
What Happens on the Day of Gallbladder Surgery?
Most minimally invasive gallbladder operations follow the same sequence, and many patients return home the same day.
- You arrive at the surgical facility and complete preoperative preparation.
- General anesthesia is administered.
- Dr. Shakir removes the gallbladder using the planned surgical technique.
- You are monitored in the recovery area until you are awake, comfortable, and able to drink fluids.
- Many patients having uncomplicated minimally invasive surgery go home the same day.
More complex cases, such as a severely inflamed gallbladder, may require additional observation or a hospital stay. Curious about how long gallbladder surgery takes?
Preparing for Surgery
Before Gallbladder Surgery
Preparation depends on your medical history and surgical plan, and most of it happens at your consultation and in the days before your operation.
What to Expect Before Gallbladder Surgery
Preparation may include:
- Surgical consultation
- Review of ultrasound or other imaging
- Review of laboratory results
- Medical history and physical examination
- Medication review
- Preoperative testing when necessary
- Anesthesia evaluation
- Instructions about food, drink, and medications
See our pre-operative care guidance.
What to Tell the Surgical Team
Tell the surgical team about:
- All prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Supplements
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Previous abdominal surgery
- Allergies
- Heart or lung conditions
Do not stop prescription medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.
After Surgery
Gallbladder Surgery Recovery
After laparoscopic gallbladder removal, most people return to normal activity in about a week. Walking is encouraged right away, and shoulder pain from the gas used during surgery usually eases within a day or two. Physical jobs and heavy lifting may need more time, and full recovery after open surgery often takes four to six weeks.
Your own recovery depends on:
- Surgical technique
- Severity of inflammation
- Other medical conditions
- Whether complications were present
- Type of work
- Individual healing
Patients receive individualized instructions on incision care, showering, activity, lifting, driving, return to work, diet, medications, and follow-up visits.
For week-by-week detail, see our gallbladder removal recovery guide, recovery time after gallbladder removal, and general post-operative care instructions.
When to Call After Surgery
Call the office if you develop a fever, worsening abdominal pain or swelling, yellow skin or eyes, nausea or vomiting that keeps you from eating or drinking, redness or drainage from an incision, or pain that medication does not control. For trouble breathing or another emergency, call 911.
Living Without a Gallbladder
Life After Gallbladder Removal
Most people live and eat normally after gallbladder removal. The gallbladder stores bile but does not produce it; after surgery, the liver keeps making bile, which flows directly into the small intestine.
What Can I Eat After Gallbladder Removal?
During early recovery, some patients find it easier to eat:
- Smaller meals
- Lower-fat foods
- Easily digestible meals
- Gradually increasing fiber
For meal ideas, see foods to eat after gallbladder removal and a sample post-gallbladder surgery diet menu.
Temporary Digestive Changes
Some people notice changes that usually settle with time:
- Loose stools
- Bloating
- More frequent bowel movements
- Sensitivity to very fatty meals
Persistent digestive symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. Learn about the long-term effects of gallbladder removal, post-cholecystectomy syndrome, and problems that can appear years later.
Surgical Risks
Risks and Possible Complications of Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder removal is a common and generally safe operation, but every surgery carries some risk. Dr. Shakir reviews the risks that apply to your condition and health before surgery. Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Wound infection
- Bile leakage into the abdomen
- Injury to the common bile duct, which is rare
- Injury to the intestine or nearby blood vessels, which is uncommon
- A gallstone left in the bile duct
- Pancreatitis
- A hernia at an incision site
- Blood clots
- Reactions to anesthesia, breathing problems, or heart problems
Not smoking, managing conditions such as diabetes, and following your post-operative instructions help lower the risk of complications.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Gallbladder Surgery?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and evaluates gallstones and gallbladder disease at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Laparoscopic and robotic removal, with open surgery when safer
- Recommendations based on symptoms and testing, not gallstones alone
- Experience with routine and complex abdominal surgery
- Clear explanations of diagnosis, options, recovery and follow-up
- Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Gallbladder Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for gallbladder 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 Gallbladder Surgery
What kind of doctor removes the gallbladder?
Gallbladder removal is usually performed by a general surgeon. A general surgeon can evaluate gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, and recurrent attacks and determine whether surgery is appropriate. Read more about what kind of surgeon removes a gallbladder.
When should I see a gallbladder surgeon?
See a gallbladder surgeon if you have gallstones with recurring upper abdominal pain, repeated gallbladder attacks, gallbladder inflammation, gallstone pancreatitis, a recent ER visit for gallbladder pain, or a referral for surgery.
Do all gallstones require surgery?
No. Gallstones that cause no symptoms usually do not require gallbladder removal. Surgery is more commonly considered when gallstones cause recurring symptoms or complications.
What does a gallbladder attack feel like?
A gallbladder attack usually causes steady pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen. The pain often follows a meal, may spread to the back or right shoulder, and can come with nausea or vomiting.
Is gallbladder surgery usually laparoscopic?
Yes. Most gallbladder removals are performed laparoscopically through several small incisions. Robotic surgery is another minimally invasive option for selected patients.
Can I go home the same day?
Many patients having uncomplicated minimally invasive gallbladder removal go home the same day. Some patients need additional observation or a hospital stay, especially after surgery for a severely inflamed gallbladder.
How long is recovery after gallbladder removal?
Many people return to normal activity about a week after laparoscopic surgery, while heavy lifting and physical work may take longer. Recovery after open surgery often takes four to six weeks, and Dr. Shakir gives each patient individualized instructions.
Will I have digestive problems after gallbladder removal?
Most people digest food normally after recovery. Some notice temporary loose stools, bloating, or sensitivity to high-fat meals, which usually improve with time.
Can gallstones cause pancreatitis?
Yes. A gallstone can block drainage near the pancreas and trigger acute pancreatitis. After recovery, gallbladder removal is often recommended to lower the risk of another episode.
Do you accept insurance for gallbladder consultations and surgery?
Yes. Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans, including participating Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Patients should contact the office to verify their individual plan before treatment.
Sources and references
- Treatment for Gallstones, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Symptoms & Causes of Gallstones, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy): Patient Information, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES)
- Open gallbladder removal, 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 severe abdominal pain, fever with abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Gallbladder Surgery Consultation
Have recurring gallbladder pain, diagnosed gallstones, or been told you may need gallbladder removal? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to learn whether surgery is appropriate and whether laparoscopic or robotic removal may suit you. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now