Penghong is a five-year-old boy from Cambodia. He is in the first grade. He wants to be a teacher when he grows up. He enjoys playing football with friends and watching TV. He has two older brothers.
For the past two years, he has had a recurrent sinus infection. He has difficulty swallowing and snores at night. He needs tonsillectomy surgery to get rid of his infection and help him sleep well again.
Fortunately, surgery is scheduled for April 24. Now, his family needs help raising $221.
Penghong underwent tonsil surgery.
Penghong’s operation went well. Surgery will improve his quality of life by eliminating the infection and discomfort. Surgery is also important to ensure he does not suffer from hearing loss.
His grandmother says, “I am happy that my grandson is feeling better and able to sleep well again.”
Penghong was submitted by Lindsay Bownik, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre.
Penghong received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre in Cambodia. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
Penghong's profile was published to start raising funds.
Penghong's treatment was fully funded.
What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?
Patients with enlarged tonsils experience pain and difficulty swallowing. They may also wake up frequently during the night or experience sleep disturbances, such as apnea or snoring.
What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?
The negative effects include recurrent rhinopharyngitis (common cold), throat infections, constant sore throat, sleep disturbances, and difficulty studying and working. Swallowing becomes very painful and labored.
What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?
Most people in Cambodia who require this procedure are from rural areas that have poor hygiene and little access to education. They frequently contract rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. If patients do not have the money to seek treatment, they will often see a traditional healer instead. An incorrect prescription can cause a recurrence of the infection.
What does the treatment process look like?
The patient is put on a course of antibiotics for one to two weeks to settle the infection. Under general anesthesia, each tonsil is removed by monopolar cauterization from a recess in the side of the pharynx called the tonsillar fossa. The bleeding is controlled and requires no suture. The total time required for the procedure is about one hour.
What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?
Patients will no longer experience recurrent infections. They will enjoy reduced pain and improved breathing and sleeping. Patients can return to school and work.
What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?
This condition is very treatable, and the operation is highly successful and effective.
How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?
There are few ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialists in Cambodia, and most are concentrated in major cities where services are costly. If patients cannot afford to travel and pay for treatment at hospitals in the city, they self-medicate with painkillers or visit Khmer traditional healers.
What are the alternatives to this treatment?
The alternatives to this treatment are only short-term fixes to manage pain. If left untreated, throat infections can lead to more serious complications with other organs.