expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Henry Donn Venable, M.D.

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Henry Donn Venable M.D. is a top Anesthesiologist in Houston, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Henry Donn Venable M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Henry Donn Venable M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Henry Donn Venable M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Houston, TX, Dr. Henry Donn Venable M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
41 years Experience
Dr. Henry Donn Venable, M.D.
  • Houston, TX
  • Univ of Ok Coll of Med, Oklahoma City Ok
  • Accepting new patients

What type of anesthesia is used for ear surgery?

General anesthesia would be most common for ear surgery.  The ear canal is sensitive and the patient must lie completely motionless, sometimes for an hour or more with the head READ MORE
General anesthesia would be most common for ear surgery.  The ear canal is sensitive and the patient must lie completely motionless, sometimes for an hour or more with the head turned to one side.  Nausea after the procedure is possible, though your anesthesia provider will likely administer an anti-nausea drug as part of your anesthetic.  You will require a driver for your ride home afterwards, and possibly pain medication at home.  You should not eat before surgery, but take your usual medication except for diuretics and insulin.  Someone should be with you at home the first night postoperatively.

What if my anesthesia stops working in the middle of the surgery?

Having anesthesia wear off in the middle of surgery is extremely unlikely. I am surprised that you could read many horror stories online since this occurs so infrequently. When READ MORE
Having anesthesia wear off in the middle of surgery is extremely unlikely. I am surprised that you could read many horror stories online since this occurs so infrequently. When I have had anesthesia myself, I did not worry about this and all went well. Any anesthetic carries risk, but inadequate anesthesia is one of the lesser risks of any.

What kind of anesthesia will I be given for my cataract surgery?

Today, cataratacts are removed under topical, that is, eye drop, anesthetics. A local anesthetic drop is instilled in the eye which provides excellent eye anesthesia. Intravenous READ MORE
Today, cataratacts are removed under topical, that is, eye drop, anesthetics. A local anesthetic drop is instilled in the eye which provides excellent eye anesthesia. Intravenous sedation usually is given as well, and often keeps patients from having any memory of their procedure.

Is it riskier for people who are overweight to go under anesthesia?

Overweight patients have a somewhat higher risk of anesthesia and surgery. Despite this, many in the overall population are overweight and have surgery and anesthesia successfully READ MORE
Overweight patients have a somewhat higher risk of anesthesia and surgery. Despite this, many in the overall population are overweight and have surgery and anesthesia successfully every day. The risk of overweight is compounded with advanced age or with other diseases such as heart disease, asthma, kidney disease and others. Anesthesiologists are accustomed to taking care of these patients and will take precautions against bad outcomes.

Is it risky for children to go under anesthesia?

Children have fewer of the conditions that make anesthesia risk greater such as heart and lung disease. Tonsillectomy is a common procedure performed successfully across the country READ MORE
Children have fewer of the conditions that make anesthesia risk greater such as heart and lung disease. Tonsillectomy is a common procedure performed successfully across the country every day. Anesthesiologists are accustomed to this procedure and take precautions to minimize risk during and after tonsillectomy.

Is anesthesia risky for a COPD patient?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases risk under anesthesia. Much depends on the severity of the condition and the extent of the surgery. Anesthesiologists work READ MORE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases risk under anesthesia. Much depends on the severity of the condition and the extent of the surgery. Anesthesiologists work to assure that the condition is treated as well as possible and that supplemental treatments are given before and after surgery if needed. Many patients with COPD undergo surgery every day successfully.

Will anesthesia affect my antidepressants?

There are no known contraindications to patients on antidepressants having anesthesia and surgery. Usually, medications for depression may be continued right up until surgery, READ MORE
There are no known contraindications to patients on antidepressants having anesthesia and surgery. Usually, medications for depression may be continued right up until surgery, and may be resumed right afterwards. Many patients on these medications have surgery daily across the country and do well.

Can local anesthesia be given to treat chronic pain?

Local anesthetic in the form of a patch is used for back pain. Rarely does one form of treatment for this kind of pain relieve it completely. Often, multiple types of treatment READ MORE
Local anesthetic in the form of a patch is used for back pain. Rarely does one form of treatment for this kind of pain relieve it completely. Often, multiple types of treatment such as oral medication, injections, and transdermal (through the skin) medications along with physical therapy are needed to reduce symptoms.

Is it to get anesthesia with a fever?

There is no contraindication to having anesthesia with a fever except when it means that there is a coexisting illness such as influenza or pneumonia and the surgery is not urgent. READ MORE
There is no contraindication to having anesthesia with a fever except when it means that there is a coexisting illness such as influenza or pneumonia and the surgery is not urgent. In the case of an infection causing a fever, it would be proper to proceed with anesthesia and surgery to remove the cause.

Are there any side effects of an epidural injection?

Many epidural anesthetics are administered daily for labor pain. Rarely are there any ill effects. Sometimes, however, a persistent headache occurs. These headaches usually READ MORE
Many epidural anesthetics are administered daily for labor pain. Rarely are there any ill effects. Sometimes, however, a persistent headache occurs. These headaches usually resolve in 2-3 days, but may require an additional injection as treatment. Pain at the site of the epidural injection is also a possibility, though no treatment is usually needed and the pain resolves on its own.