In 2008, as long as you have a computer, not much is out of reach. When it comes to medical information, though, it’s hard to know where to find accurate, up-to-date information that is understandable to the layperson.

A picture tells a thousand words, but moving pictures tell it better. Ear, nose and throat physician Dr. Christopher Chang has produced ten videos that illustrate some of the surgeries and procedures he performs. The videos are easily accessible at www.youtube.com/fauquierent.
The procedures caught on video include: Coblation Tonsillectomy, Stroboscopy of the Vocal Cords, Saline Sinus Rinse/Flush, Base of Tongue Reduction for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Coblation Turbinate Reduction, Trans-Nasal Endoscopy, Zenker's Diverticulum and Pediatric Trans-Nasal Endoscopy.

Sound complicated? The videos simplify things considerably. This fascinating look at real procedures, though not for the squeamish, will take you to a new level of understanding that no words could achieve.

Dr. Chang has also initiated several websites for those interested in reliable information on medical conditions that affect the voice, on hearing aids, on allergy drops, and on Zenker’s Diverticulum – a relatively rare condition that causes the sufferer to constantly cough up particles of food that get caught in a pouch in the throat. An Internet search on Dr. Christopher Chang will yield these sites, and more, on the Warrenton specialist.

Robin Earl is the PR Specialist for Fauquier Health. She may be reached at earlr@fauquierhospital.org.