The 5 Best General Surgeons in Houston to Have on Your Side When It Counts Most 

In over three decades of practice, people recognize Southwest Surgical Associates for professional yet friendly care. This starts with the approachable front desk staff and extends to the kind, skilled surgeons in the operating room. 

Doctors Farrow and Albrecht are often noted in successful gallbladder, hernia, and minimally invasive surgeries. Their board certification and general surgery training also qualify them to handle appendicitis and thyroid cases. 

Dr. Farrow was even named one of Houstonia magazine’s best general surgeons in 2014. Dr. Albrecht, meanwhile, holds a fellowship with the Royal Society of Medicine. 

Also part of the team are breast, bariatric, and colorectal surgeons—all affiliated with Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, and 13 other hospitals. 

While most patients appreciate the accessible post-op instructions online, a few reported prescription and communication issues. One received medication meant for someone else; others faced callback difficulties. 

It helps that the website clearly lists accepted insurance plans, and consultations cover costs in detail. 

From start to finish, the care was very personal, warm, and caring 

“Dr Farrow did my husband’s gallbladder removal and bilateral hernia repair surgery. From the office staff, to Dr Farrow, to the anesthesiologist, to the surgical team, to the facility – we couldn’t have asked for a better experience and outcome. The kindness, compassion, professionalism and quality of care he received were absolutely excellent, bar none! I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Farrow and his awesome team to anyone! My husband has a strong fear of hospitals, needles, surgery, etc and he repeatedly expressed how grateful he was that everyone he interacted with put him at ease and made him feel like he was their most important patient. From start to finish he felt that the care he received was very personal, warm and caring. They went above and beyond to care for the whole person, treat him with the upmost respect and ensure he was comfortable. They were likewise thoughtful and attentive to me, making sure I was informed throughout the process on my husband’s status and care and treated me like a welcomed guest – offering drinks and crackers and making sure I had what I needed and was comfortable as I waited. We can’t recommend Dr Forrow strongly enough!”

Brandy Gabriel, Google Review

An excellent surgeon—minimally invasive with rapid recovery  

“I recently had gallbladder surgery with Southwest Surgical Associates. Dr. Clay Albrecht was excellent. He was very friendly, listened to me carefully, and answered all my questions. More importantly, he is an excellent surgeon. Minimally invasive with rapid recovery. The staff at Southwest Surgical was very friendly and helpful as well.  I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.” 

Ed Sierra, Google Review

Just like it sounds, Texas Hernia & Surgical Specialists is a hernia surgery clinic. Treating inguinal, umbilical, ventral, and incisional hernias, the surgical team uses minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques for faster healing.  

At the helm is American Board of Surgery-certified and Texas Super Doctor (2013–2021) Dr. Ngo. He has performed 2,000+ procedures over the span of 20+ years. 

Patients like how Dr. Ngo takes the time to explain every step and calls after surgery to check in, all with a comforting down-to-earth personality. His knowledge and experience have led to pleasing results and smooth, painless recoveries. 

Texas Hernia is also affiliated with TLC Surgery, which gives options for weight-loss surgeries such as the gastric sleeve and bypass. 

Despite these positives, we noticed complaints about late surgery starts and scheduling conflicts due to online booking glitches. Patient Relations makes up for it by coordinating insurance and financing efficiently, including LendingUSA and CareCredit. 

Helped make the process leading to surgery and after, smooth

“Dr. Ngo is a smart, thoughtful, and caring doctor. He has lots of experience doing hernia repairs. Dr. Ngo and his surgery team help fix my dad’s hernia, which was very large.  Dr. Ngo also called my dad to see how he was doing after surgery. Mark works for Dr. Ngo. He is thoughtful and is great at following through. He helped make the process leading to surgery and after surgery smooth. I highly recommend Dr. Ngo and his team.  My family and I are so grateful for them.”

Jen, Google Review

Dr. Ngo put my mind at ease by thoroughly explaining the procedure 

“I am currently 2 weeks post op from my hernia surgery and couldn’t be more pleased.  Being my first surgery, I was unsure what to expect, but Dr. Ngo put my mind at ease by thoroughly explaining the procedure and recovery. He even gave me a follow-up call the next day to check on me and answer my questions. I am very pleased with the results and hope to be back to 100% very soon.  Highly recommend Dr. Ngo.” 

Mike Allen, Google Review

Patients say UT Physicians General Surgery (Southeast) surgeons are compassionate and genuinely caring. Doctors Buicko Lopez, Cowling, and Trahan stand out for their attentive, informative, and unhurried pre- and post-op care. 

This approach is actually what made the journey less scary and immediately put others at ease. Not only that, all surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained, each with distinct specialties. 

For instance, Dr. Cowling is praised for hernia and gallbladder cases, Dr. Buicko Lopez for breast and endocrine expertise, and Dr. Trahan for weight-loss and bariatric surgeries. 

We were even more impressed that the surgeons are also faculty members at McGovern Medical School and treat patients at Memorial Hermann through their affiliation. 

Rounding out the team are the front desk staff, whose kindness shows in assisting with health plans and billing questions. However, requesting copies of remaining bills not covered by insurance or clarifications for unlisted providers was sometimes slow. 

Dr. Buicko Lopez was awesome—she is genuinely interested in my care 

“From the front desk person to the nurses sitting at the desk when I checked out, everyone was so kind. Professional and compassionate. The doctors were both very informative and friendly. Dr. Buicko Lopez was awesome to meet. I trust that she is genuinely interested in my care.”

Tiffany Palmer, Google Review

Dr. Trahan is a very compassionate and knowledgeable bariatric surgeon 

“Dr trahan is a very compassionate, empathetic and knowledgeable bariatric surgeon. He took his time to explain what my issues could be, what he will do address them. He listened to all of my concerns with the utmost patience and genuine concern. I am 4 years post-op gastric bypass surgery. He has always addressed any issues or concerns immediately.” 

Christie Meredith, Google Review

Those with hernia, gallbladder, or cyst concerns turn to Dr. Buckminster J. Farrow, whose thousands of surgeries in 20+ years inspire trust. Patients highlight pleasant operating room experiences and positive outcomes. 

In fact, Dr. Farrow has a low 2.1% recurrence rate, showcasing his effective minimally invasive techniques that make recovery fast and pain-free. This contributed to him earning Memorial Living magazine’s Best General Surgeon recognition. 

Let’s not forget his Physician of the Year award from Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, one of his hospital affiliations, and membership in the American Hernia Society and Texas Medical Association. 

When he performed my cousin’s appendectomy, my aunt shared that they found comfort in his customized care and reassuring pre-op consultations, continuing through productive follow-ups. 

Others agree, also pointing to skilled anesthesiologists and caring nurses.

That said, slow appointment confirmations and delayed call returns have caused some frustration. Luckily, besides accepting Medicare and various health plans, competitive prices are offered for uninsured patients. 

Dr. Farrow and his team should receive an award for first-class medical care 

“I had surgery yesterday for my umbilical hernia and I was beyond scared and anxious. Dr. Farrow immediately set me at ease. He came to visit me prior and answered my questions and just stayed with me until I was calm. He is a sweet, kind man with a warm gentle spirit. He is beyond skilled and knows the human body and how to repair difficult hernias while ensuring that we as patients are informed and recieved customized care for our situation. I love him and I recommend him to anyone suffering from a hernia. Additionally, the anesthesiologist was great. Very personable with a great sense of humor. My experience in the OR was so pleasant! All I remember is smiling faces, compassionate voices, the oxygen mask being placed over my nose. Next, I was awakened by a nurse who stayed with me throughout my entire recovery. Dr. Farrow and his team should receive an award because this was first class medical care. Now I can live my life free of pain and suffering from a lifelong hernia. Thank you Dr. Farrow! I look forward to our follow up.”

MJ, Google Review

Since I’ve had my gallbladder removed, I feel so much better  

“Dr. Farrow is The Best Ever🩷!!! Since I’ve had my Gallbladder removed I feel so much better like a brand new person. And I love that Dr. Farrow takes the time to answer all your questions and any concerns you have. I Recommend Him 1000% …” 

Romanita J., Google Review

Certified by the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. James Baird of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is beloved by patients. Many credit him with mastectomies that helped them survive breast cancer. 

He’s also praised for his bedside manner in hernia repairs, gallbladder and cyst removals, and appendectomies. Dr. Baird sometimes performs these procedures at Houston Methodist and The Woman’s Hospital of Texas, his other affiliations. 

Certain patients are especially thankful for his personable attitude, whether during the pre-op stage or follow-up visits. Explanations are straightforward to understand, which brings relief to nervous first-timers. 

Most report little to no discomfort throughout recovery. Yet on rare occasions when pain occurs, prescriptions for medication aren’t processed promptly, with email responses taking days or promised callbacks left unfulfilled. 

The upside is that a wide range of insurance plans—including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicare—are accepted, with clear out-of-pocket cost breakdowns provided. 

Dr. Baird took his time, explained everything well, and was empathetic

“Dr James Baird is knowledgeable and seems to be a very skilled surgeon. He removed my Stage IIB breast cancer (single mastectomy) & 3 underarm sentinel lymph nodes a few weeks ago. Dr Baird took his time w me prior to surgery, explained everything well, and was empathetic.”

Brenda B., Google Review

He explains things in a way that makes the information easy to understand 

“I appreciate Dr. Baird because he is very personable. He provides the information we need, which helps relieve stress when we are already worried or afraid. He explains things in a way that makes the information easy to understand. His use of language is clear and straightforward, so he doesn’t talk over our heads.” 

RaShonya Hayes, Google Review