Rachana has three siblings and loves to play outside with friends and watch television. She wants to be a chef when she grows up. For the past two years, she has had a recurrent infection that makes it difficult to breath and sleep. Surgery can get rid of the infection in her tonsils and improve her quality of life. She will be able to sleep again and focus better at school.
Success! Rachana from Cambodia raised $221 to remove her tonsils..
- 100%
- $221 raised, $0 to go
- Rachana's story
- Rachana's update
Rachana to remove her tonsils..
Rachana’s operation went well. Surgery will improve her quality of life by eliminating discomfort. She will be able to sleep well at night again.
Rachana’s mother said, “I am so happy that my daughter’s operation went well and that she can breathe clearly again.”
Rachana's Timeline
- October 7, 2019PROFILE SUBMITTED
Rachana was submitted by Lindsay Bownik, Stakeholder Relations Officer at Children's Surgical Centre.
- October 8, 2019TREATMENT OCCURRED
Rachana 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.
- October 13, 2019PROFILE PUBLISHED
Rachana's profile was published to start raising funds.
- October 19, 2019FULLY FUNDED
Rachana's treatment was fully funded.
Funded by 1 donor
Treatment
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Cost Breakdown
- Diagnosis
- Procedure
On average, it costs $221 for Rachana's treatment
Hospital Fees
$51
Medical Staff
$169
Medication
$1
Supplies
$0
- Symptoms
- Impact on patient's life
- Cultural or regional significance
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.
- Process
- Impact on patient's life
- Risks and side-effects
- Accessibility
- Alternatives
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.