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Reflux Surgery
Reflux Surgery in Houston at Surgical Associates of Southern Texas
Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery for GERD
Heartburn that keeps coming back, acid or food rising into your throat, or reflux that medicine no longer controls can all point to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Most people improve with lifestyle changes and medication, but some need a surgeon to repair the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
At Surgical Associates of Southern Texas, board-certified surgeon Dr. Murtaza Shakir evaluates long-standing reflux and performs laparoscopic antireflux surgery when it is the right choice. He sees patients at offices in Katy and Sugar Land, serving Richmond, Fulshear, and Greater Houston.
Meet the Surgeon
Dr. Murtaza Shakir, MD, general surgeon treating GERD and reflux 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 antireflux surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, 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.
Jump to a section
- At a glance
- What is GERD?
- Hiatal hernia and reflux
- Symptoms and when to see a surgeon
- Can GERD damage the esophagus?
- Tests before reflux surgery
- Does reflux always need surgery?
- Meet your surgeon
- How the decision is made
- Surgical options
- Laparoscopic vs. open surgery
- Before surgery
- Recovery
- Risks and complications
- Patient reviews
- Why choose us
- Insurance
- Locations
- FAQs
- Schedule a consultation
At a Glance
Reflux Surgery at a Glance
- What it is
- An operation that strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach so acid and food stop flowing back up. It treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Who may need it
- People whose reflux is not controlled by medicine and lifestyle changes, who cannot or do not want to take long-term medicine, or who have reflux complications.
- Common symptoms
- Heartburn, regurgitation, chronic cough or wheezing, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
- Tests before surgery
- Usually upper endoscopy (EGD), esophageal pH or pH-impedance monitoring, esophageal manometry, and often a barium swallow X-ray (esophagram).
- Surgical approach
- Laparoscopic antireflux surgery through several small incisions, which typically means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and smaller scars than open surgery.
- Typical recovery
- A liquid-then-soft diet for several weeks and some tightness when swallowing at first. Most people return to normal activities within about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Urgent warning signs
- Chest pain, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black or bloody stools, or food stuck in the chest. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Where
- Offices in Katy and Sugar Land, TX. Call 713-955-9191.
Reflux Basics
What Is GERD?
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus that happens often enough to cause symptoms or damage. Occasional heartburn after a large meal is common; GERD is reflux that keeps returning.
When you swallow, food travels down the esophagus, the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. At its lower end sits a ring-shaped muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES opens to let food into the stomach and normally closes right after you swallow, keeping stomach juices where they belong.
GERD develops when the LES is weak or relaxes at the wrong times. Acidic stomach juice then flows back up and irritates the esophageal lining. That irritation causes the burning feeling behind the breastbone known as heartburn, which can spread toward the throat or neck. Over time, repeated exposure can inflame and damage the esophagus.
Overweight, pregnancy, smoking, certain medicines, and a hiatal hernia can all make reflux more likely or worse. Learn more about stomach acid backing up into the esophagus and whether you can have heartburn without acid reflux.
Hiatal Hernia
What Is a Hiatal Hernia, and How Does It Affect Reflux?
A hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. This weakens the natural barrier against reflux, so acid moves into the esophagus more easily.
The esophagus passes through a small opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. The diaphragm muscle around that opening normally works together with the LES to keep stomach contents down. When part of the stomach slides up into the chest, that teamwork breaks down.
- Many small hiatal hernias cause no symptoms and need no treatment.
- When symptoms occur, they are usually reflux symptoms: heartburn, regurgitation, trouble swallowing, or a dry cough.
- Risk rises with age, and overweight and smoking also increase it.
- Surgery is considered when symptoms continue despite lifestyle changes and medication.
A hiatal hernia is different from groin or abdominal wall hernias. For those, see our hernia repair overview.
Reflux Symptoms
GERD Symptoms and When to See a Surgeon
The two classic GERD symptoms are heartburn, a burning feeling behind the breastbone, and regurgitation, the sense of acid or food coming back up into the throat or mouth. Many adults also notice other symptoms:
- Heartburn, especially after meals or when lying down
- Regurgitation of sour liquid or food
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
- Hoarseness or frequent throat clearing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest discomfort
Not everyone with GERD has heartburn. Reflux can show up mainly as a cough, hoarseness, or asthma that is hard to control.
When Reflux Needs a Surgeon
Talk with a surgeon when reflux persists despite treatment or has started to cause harm. Common reasons for a surgical evaluation include:
- Symptoms that continue despite daily medicine and lifestyle changes
- Bothersome regurgitation, which medicine often controls less well than heartburn
- Side effects from medicine, or a wish to stop long-term medication
- A large hiatal hernia causing symptoms
- Complications such as esophagitis, narrowing (stricture), ulcers, or bleeding
- Reflux-related cough, hoarseness, or aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs
Most patients are best served when a gastroenterologist and a surgeon work together on testing and treatment. Read more about when to consider surgery for acid reflux.
When Reflux Symptoms Need Urgent Medical Attention
Seek emergency care for chest pain or pressure, vomiting blood or coffee-ground material, black or bloody stools, food stuck in the chest, being unable to swallow saliva, or trouble breathing. Heart problems can feel like heartburn, so never assume chest pain is reflux. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Complications
Can GERD Damage the Esophagus?
Yes. Long-standing reflux can inflame and scar the esophagus, and in some people it changes the esophageal lining in a way that raises the risk of esophageal cancer. This is one reason persistent reflux deserves a medical evaluation rather than years of self-treatment.
Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophageal lining from repeated acid exposure. It can cause pain, ulcers, and bleeding.
Stricture
Scarring that narrows the lower esophagus so food feels stuck. Strictures are often stretched during an endoscopy.
Barrett's Esophagus
A change in the esophageal lining caused by chronic reflux. It is a risk factor for esophageal cancer and needs regular endoscopic follow-up.
Throat and Lung Effects
Reflux that reaches the throat or windpipe can cause chronic cough, hoarseness, wheezing, or aspiration pneumonia.
Learn whether GERD can damage the esophagus permanently.
Diagnosis
How Is GERD Evaluated Before Surgery?
Before surgery is considered, testing confirms that reflux is truly causing your symptoms and checks how well your esophagus moves. Doctors often diagnose and treat GERD from symptoms alone, but surgery requires objective proof. Dr. Shakir reviews your history, medicines, and prior test results, and coordinates any testing still needed.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A thin, flexible tube with a camera examines the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. It looks for esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, a hiatal hernia, and other conditions, and small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken.
Esophageal pH or pH-Impedance Monitoring
This test measures how often stomach contents reach the esophagus. It uses either a thin tube through the nose worn for about a day, which can also detect non-acid reflux, or a small wireless capsule placed during endoscopy. You record meals, sleep, and symptoms so they can be matched with reflux episodes.
Esophageal Manometry
Manometry measures the pressure and muscle contractions of the esophagus as you swallow. It helps rule out swallowing disorders that can mimic reflux and that would change the surgical plan.
Barium Swallow (Esophagram)
You drink a barium liquid while X-rays and video show how it moves down the esophagus. It can show a hiatal hernia, narrowing, or swallowing problems.
Please bring prior endoscopy reports, test results, imaging, and a list of reflux medicines you have tried to your consultation.
Treatment Options
Does Reflux Always Need Surgery?
No. Most people with GERD are treated with lifestyle changes and medication, and surgery is considered only when those measures fall short or complications develop. Surgery is a planned, elective decision, not a first step.
Lifestyle Changes
- Losing excess weight
- Eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms
- Not eating for two to three hours before lying down
- Raising the head of the bed
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
Medications
Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce or neutralize stomach acid. They often control heartburn well but do not stop reflux itself, so regurgitation may continue. Do not stop or change prescription medicine without talking with the doctor who prescribed it.
When Surgery Becomes an Option
Surgery may be recommended when symptoms continue despite treatment, when you cannot tolerate or do not want long-term medication, or when reflux has caused complications. Surgical treatment is also considered for symptomatic hiatal hernias that do not respond to other treatment.
Compare the choices in our guide to chronic acid reflux treatment options.
Your Surgeon
Meet Your Reflux Surgeon
Murtaza Shakir, MD
Board-Certified General Surgeon & Surgical Oncologist
Reflux surgery 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 Reflux Surgery Is Right for You
Reflux surgery works best for patients whose testing clearly confirms GERD and whose esophagus moves normally. Dr. Shakir weighs these factors before recommending an operation.
Proven Reflux
pH or pH-impedance monitoring and endoscopy findings that confirm reflux, rather than symptoms alone.
Response to Medication
How well medicine controls your heartburn and regurgitation, and whether side effects or long-term use are a concern.
Esophageal Function
Manometry results showing how strongly the esophagus pushes food down, which affects whether and how surgery is done.
Hiatal Hernia Size
Whether a hiatal hernia is present, how large it is, and whether it is contributing to symptoms.
Complications
Esophagitis, stricture, Barrett’s esophagus, bleeding, or lung symptoms related to reflux.
Overall Health
Weight, medical conditions, prior abdominal surgery, current medications, and anesthesia considerations.
The goal is to recommend surgery only when the expected benefit clearly outweighs the risks, and to explain the realistic results you can expect.
Surgical Options
What Does Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery Involve?
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery rebuilds the barrier between the esophagus and stomach using a camera and slim instruments placed through several small incisions in the upper abdomen. It is performed under general anesthesia.
In mainstream practice, the most common antireflux operation is a fundoplication. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower end of the esophagus to reinforce the LES. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is generally repaired at the same operation by returning the stomach to the abdomen and tightening the opening in the diaphragm.
Wraps can be full or partial, and the choice depends on testing and anatomy. Dr. Shakir explains which approach, if any, he recommends for you and why. For a plain-language walkthrough, read fundoplication surgery explained.
Surgery strengthens the reflux barrier but is not a guaranteed permanent cure. Some people still need reflux medicine years later, so expectations are discussed before any operation.
Comparing Techniques
Laparoscopic vs. Open Reflux Surgery
Most antireflux operations today are done laparoscopically, and that is the focus of our practice. Open surgery through one larger incision is used less often. Both aim to rebuild the same reflux barrier.
Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery
- Incisions: several small incisions in the upper abdomen
- View: magnified camera view inside the abdomen
- Advantages: reduced pain after surgery, a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and smaller scars
- Hospital stay: often one to a few days
Open Antireflux Surgery
- Incision: one larger incision in the abdomen
- Typical use: situations where a minimally invasive approach is not safe or practical
- Hospital stay: usually longer
- Keep in mind: switching from laparoscopic to open surgery during an operation is a safety decision, not a failure
Preparing for Surgery
Before Reflux Surgery
Preparation starts at your consultation and continues in the days before your operation, with specific instructions for your situation.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Preparation may include:
- Surgical consultation and physical examination
- Review of endoscopy, pH monitoring, manometry, and imaging results
- Blood work and other preoperative testing when needed
- Medication review
- Anesthesia evaluation
- Instructions about eating, drinking, and medicines before surgery
See our pre-operative care guidance.
What to Tell the Surgical Team
Tell the surgical team about:
- All prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Supplements
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Previous abdominal or chest surgery
- Allergies
- Heart or lung conditions
- Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
Do not stop prescription medication unless instructed by the appropriate healthcare professional.
After Surgery
Recovery After Reflux Surgery
After laparoscopic antireflux surgery, most people return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, and many return to desk work sooner. The biggest adjustment is eating: your diet advances slowly while swelling around the repair settles. Dr. Shakir gives you written instructions, which take priority over general guidance.
Diet Progression
Most patients follow a staged diet:
- Liquids first: clear liquids, then full liquids, sipped slowly in small amounts
- Soft foods: moist, soft foods eaten in small meals and chewed well
- Regular diet: solid foods added back gradually over several weeks
Foods that clump, such as bread, rice, and dry meat, and carbonated drinks are often avoided early on. Ask before crushing pills, since some medicines must not be crushed.
Swallowing After Surgery
A feeling of tightness or food sticking when you swallow is common for the first several weeks because of swelling at the repair. It usually improves steadily. Eat slowly, take small bites, and stay upright after meals.
Activity and Work
Walk several times a day from the start. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling until your surgeon clears you. Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medicine.
When to Call After Surgery
Call the office for a fever of 101°F or higher, redness or drainage from an incision, worsening belly pain or swelling, vomiting lasting more than a day, swallowing problems that keep you from eating or drinking, or pain that medicine does not control. For chest pain, trouble breathing, or another emergency, call 911.
For a week-by-week view, read laparoscopic reflux surgery recovery and our general post-operative care instructions.
Surgical Risks
Risks and Possible Complications of Reflux Surgery
Antireflux surgery is generally safe, but it has side effects and risks that differ from those of medication. Dr. Shakir reviews the risks that apply to you before surgery. Possible effects include:
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): common early on and usually resolves within about three months; rarely, a further procedure is needed
- Gas-bloat: a full, bloated feeling and more gas, with less ability to belch or vomit; it usually improves over time
- Recurrence: reflux or a hiatal hernia can return, for example if the wrap loosens, and some people need medicine again or another operation
- Bleeding, infection, and blood clots
- Rare injury to the esophagus, stomach, or nearby organs
- Injury to the vagus nerve, which can affect how the stomach empties
- Reactions to anesthesia, breathing problems, or heart problems
Following the diet plan, avoiding heavy lifting early, and attending follow-up visits help lower the risk of problems.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Surgical Associates of Southern Texas for Reflux Surgery?
Dr. Murtaza Shakir is board certified in General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology and offers laparoscopic antireflux surgery at offices in Katy and Sugar Land.
- Laparoscopic surgery, typically with less pain and smaller scars
- Testing confirms reflux before surgery is recommended
- Honest talk about benefits, side effects and recurrence
- Each step explained, from testing through recovery
- Consultations in Katy and Sugar Land
Insurance Coverage
Insurance for Reflux Surgery
Surgical Associates of Southern Texas accepts many major insurance plans for reflux evaluation and antireflux 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 Reflux Surgery
What is reflux surgery?
Reflux surgery, also called antireflux surgery, strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach so stomach contents stop flowing back up. It is used to treat GERD when medication and lifestyle changes are not enough.
What is the difference between heartburn and GERD?
Heartburn is a symptom: a burning feeling behind the breastbone. GERD is the condition in which reflux happens often enough to cause ongoing symptoms or damage to the esophagus.
When should I see a surgeon for acid reflux?
See a surgeon if reflux continues despite daily medication, if regurgitation is bothersome, if you want to stop long-term medicine, or if you have a large hiatal hernia or reflux complications such as esophagitis or stricture.
What tests are needed before reflux surgery?
Most patients need an upper endoscopy, esophageal pH or pH-impedance monitoring, and esophageal manometry. A barium swallow X-ray is often added to show the anatomy and any hiatal hernia.
Can GERD lead to cancer?
Long-standing GERD can cause Barrett’s esophagus, a change in the esophageal lining that raises the risk of esophageal cancer. People with chronic reflux should be evaluated by a doctor rather than self-treating for years.
What is a fundoplication?
Fundoplication is the most common antireflux operation. The surgeon wraps the upper part of the stomach around the lower esophagus to reinforce the valve and reduce reflux.
Is reflux surgery done laparoscopically?
Yes, most reflux operations today are laparoscopic, using several small incisions. Compared with open surgery, this typically means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, a faster return to work, and smaller scars.
Will I still need reflux medication after surgery?
Many people can stop or reduce reflux medicine after successful surgery. Surgery is not a guaranteed permanent cure, though, and some people need medication again years later.
How long is recovery after laparoscopic reflux surgery?
Most people return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, and many return to desk work sooner. Heavy lifting waits until your surgeon clears you.
Can reflux come back after surgery?
Yes. Reflux or a hiatal hernia can return, for example if the wrap loosens or a new hernia forms. Some patients then need medication again, and a few need another operation.
Sources and references
- Symptoms & Causes of GER & GERD, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Treatment for GER & GERD, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Acid Reflux / GERD, American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
- Anti-reflux surgery, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Anti-reflux surgery – discharge, 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 chest pain, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, food stuck in the chest, or other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Last updated October 16, 2026.
Schedule a Reflux Surgery Consultation
Still have heartburn or regurgitation despite medication, or been told you have a hiatal hernia or reflux damage to the esophagus? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Murtaza Shakir to learn which tests you need and whether laparoscopic antireflux surgery fits you. Offices in Katy and Sugar Land serve Richmond, Fulshear and Greater Houston.
Contact us now