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Success! Meng Ly from Cambodia raised $265 to fund a tonsillectomy so he can eat and drink without pain.

Meng Ly
100%
  • $265 raised, $0 to go
$265
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Meng Ly's treatment was fully funded on February 5, 2023.

Photo of Meng Ly post-operation

February 27, 2023

Meng Ly underwent a tonsillectomy so he can eat and drink without pain.

Meng Ly and his father traveled six hours to have surgery at our medical parter CSC. He rested in the hospital for a few days and took antibiotics to avoid any further infection. He was instructed to eat only soft room-temperature non-spicy food and only warm water drinks to avoid any disruption of the surgical site. He can now breathe easily and can sleep much better at night. His health will improve and he is anxious to return to school and to his friends. His father is relieved he won’t have to spend money on treatments that did not work for Meng Ly.

Meng Ly’s father said, “We are happy that my son feels so much better. He wants to go to school, and he is eating more. Thank you for helping us so he can grow up like other boys and be successful.”

Meng Ly and his father traveled six hours to have surgery at our medical parter CSC. He rested in the hospital for a few days and took anti...

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September 8, 2022

Meet Meng Ly, a nine-year-old 2nd grade student, living with his father - who is a rice farmer - and younger brother.. Meng Ly enjoys reading and playing football when he is not in school.

A year ago, Meng Ly developed a sore throat, and also began to experience difficulty swallowing, and hearing clearly. Frequently unwell, Meng Ly began to miss school. Finally, he was diagnosed with enlarged tonsils and adenoids, which require surgical intervention, to prevent his symptoms from persisting, and possibly intensifying over time.

Our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, is requesting $265 to fund a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for Meng Ly, which is scheduled to take place on September 8th, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Surgeons will remove his tonsils and adenoids, relieving Meng Ly of his symptoms, and enabling him to live much more comfortably, and to enjoy the life of a nine year old boy.

Meng Ly says: “I hope I can eat and drink without pain.”

Meet Meng Ly, a nine-year-old 2nd grade student, living with his father - who is a rice farmer - and younger brother.. Meng Ly enjoys readi...

Read more

Meng Ly's Timeline

  • September 8, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Meng Ly was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • September 8, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Meng Ly 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.

  • September 11, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Meng Ly's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 5, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Meng Ly's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 27, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Meng Ly's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 7 donors

Funded by 7 donors

Treatment
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $265 for Meng Ly'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.