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Success! Kanitha from Cambodia raised $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy so she can live a healthy life.

Kanitha
100%
  • $265 raised, $0 to go
$265
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Kanitha's treatment was fully funded on February 27, 2023.

Photo of Kanitha post-operation

March 12, 2023

Kanitha underwent a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy so she can live a healthy life.

Kanitha and her parents traveled one and a half hours to Children’s Surgical Centre for her tonsillectomy. This will stop her pain and her worries about the recurrent infections. She rested overnight at the hospital to make sure she had no complications, and then was able to return home. She will be home for several days after surgery and gargle with salt water to keep her throat clear as she heals. She can now breathe easily and can sleep much better at night. Kanitha looks forward to returning to school and is happy she will not be sick anymore.

Her family said: “Thank you to the staff and everyone who support CSC. We are very happy our daughter can eat more than before and glad she can go to school and be active again.”

Kanitha and her parents traveled one and a half hours to Children's Surgical Centre for her tonsillectomy. This will stop her pain and her w...

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January 17, 2023

Kanitha is a bright, 13 year old seventh grade student, living in Phnom Penh with her parents and two siblings. Her father stays home to care for the children, while her mother works as a chef. In her free time, Kanitha enjoys reading books and helping her father do housework. At school, mathematics is her favorite subject, and she aspires to be a teacher in the future.

For the past two years, Kanitha has been experiencing sore throats and difficulty swallowing. She often feels tenderness in her throat, accompanied by a high fever. Her parents took her for treatment at a local hospital, where she was given antibiotics. Despite the medications, Kanitha continues to have frequent infections. She was recently diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which, if not treated, will cause her symptoms to persist and to intensify over time.

Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Kanitha. This procedure is scheduled to take place on January 17th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Surgeons will remove Kanitha’s tonsils and adenoids, which should relieve her of her symptoms, allowing her to live a healthier and more comfortable life.

Kanitha’s parents said: “We hope after her operation, her throat will get better, and she can eat and breathe easily.”

Kanitha is a bright, 13 year old seventh grade student, living in Phnom Penh with her parents and two siblings. Her father stays home to car...

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Kanitha's Timeline

  • January 17, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Kanitha was submitted by Romanea Khun, Assistant Manager, CSC at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • January 17, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Kanitha 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.

  • January 20, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Kanitha's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 27, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Kanitha's treatment was fully funded.

  • March 12, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Kanitha's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 3 donors

Funded by 3 donors

Treatment
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $265 for Kanitha's treatment
Hospital Fees
$25
Medical Staff
$189
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
Labs
$3
Radiology
$5
  • 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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.