Watsi

Chamroeurn from Cambodia raised $787 to fund hand surgery for a severe burn.

100%

$787 raised, $0 to go

$787

raised

to go

Fully funded

Chamroeurn's treatment was fully funded on February 15, 2021.

Chamroeurn's story
Chamroeurn's update

Photo of Chamroeurn post-operation

February 18, 2021

Chamroeurn underwent hand surgery for a severe burn.

Chamroeum has had a complicated course of treatment with our medical partner CSC due to his extensive electrical burns. He underwent five different surgeries, and everyone hoped to save his right hand. Unfortunately the doctors were unable to save his hand, but have worked to avoid infection and improve his quality of life. His treatment has now allowed new skin to grow over his wounds and he is undergoing physiotherapy, and frequent dressing changes to decrease the risk of infection. He’s getting better every day.

“I am happy that doctors tried to save my hand, however we needed to do an amputation. I am still pleased with my improvement and how I’m feeling now.”

Chamroeum has had a complicated course of treatment with our medical partner CSC due to his extensive electrical burns. He underwent five di...

October 19, 2020

Chamroeurn is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He and his wife have three children, all of whom are school-aged. He mainly works in the construction of houses in his local area. In his free time, he likes meeting friends at restaurants, taking his kids on trips, and cooking.

In October 2020, his right hand and leg were burned in an electrical accident on a worksite. He immediately went to a provincial hospital, but they were unable to treat him. An infected wound has developed on his right hand, endangering his whole hand and he now cannot use it without severe pain.

When Chamroeurn learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, he traveled for four hours seeking treatment. On October 19th, surgeons at CSC will perform a fasciotomy procedure to to save his right hand and allow it to heal. Now, he needs help to fund this $787 procedure.

Chamroeurn said, “I am so thankful the doctors can help me here, and I hope that my hand will be healthy when the surgery is over.”

Chamroeurn is a 46-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. He and his wife have three children, all of whom are school-aged. He mainly w...

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Chamroeurn's case was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.

Chamroeurn's Timeline

October 19, 2020
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Chamroeurn was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.
October 19, 2020
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Chamroeurn 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 20, 2020
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Chamroeurn's profile was published to start raising funds.
February 15, 2021
FULLY FUNDED
Chamroeurn's treatment was fully funded.
February 18, 2021
TREATMENT UPDATE
We received an update on Chamroeurn. Read the update.

Funded by 26 donors

Funded by 26 donors

Treatment

Severe Burn Treatment

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $787 for Chamroeurn's treatment

Hospital Fees

$160

Medical Staff

$579

Medication

Supplies

$40

Labs

Radiology

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients have severe burns that develop infections. Patients cannot move easily and are in pain, preventing them from working. Burns may cause changes in physical appearance. Severe burns can be acid burns, gas fire burns, and electrical burns. These burns typically cover large portions of skin across multiple limbs.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Intentional attack burns are meant to disfigure and maim victims for life, so the social impacts of their burns are severe. Families may be heavily impacted by the attack, and victims may be socially isolated or have difficulty finding work.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Acid is widely available in Cambodia, with little or no regulation. It is commonly used in car and motorbike batteries, rubber processing, and jewelry making.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Severe burn victims stay at Children's Surgical Centre for up to three months, undergoing multiple surgeries to treat the burned skin. During the first debridement procedure, the burned skin is removed under general anesthesia. If there is any necrotic tissue, it is removed by a sharp dissection and cleaned with antiseptic agents. Once good granulation tissues are seen, the area is covered with a skin graft donated from the upper arm or thigh. When scars or contractures form (usually within one month after the burn), a z-plasty is needed. Surgeons make a z-shaped incision along the contracture area and release the tightened tissue. Dressings are applied. Additional post-operative care might involve physiotherapy and pressure garments.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The patient's infections will be treated, the skin will be healed, and he or she will enjoy improved confidence.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

These treatments are low-risk.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Severe burn treatments are available at burn units in Cambodia. However, because treatment requires a long hospital stay, the bill can become very expensive. When a patient cannot pay, he or she may be expelled from the hospital in the middle of a treatment plan.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Treatment outside of a hospital environment is very dangerous and can cause serious infections.

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