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Success! Richard from Tanzania raised $566 to fund hernia repair surgery.

Richard
100%
  • $566 raised, $0 to go
$566
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Richard's treatment was fully funded on September 7, 2021.

Photo of Richard post-operation

August 20, 2021

Richard underwent hernia repair surgery.

Richard had a successful bilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery. Because of this treatment, Richard is no longer suffering pain and will be able to lead a full life and grow up healthy.

Richard’s mother says, “Finally my son has had his needed surgery and all the suffering and pain is gone. Thank you very much.”

Richard had a successful bilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery. Because of this treatment, Richard is no longer suffering pain and will b...

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July 3, 2021

Richard is four year old boy and the third born in a family of four children. He has not yet started school and enjoys looking after his father’s cattle alongside his siblings. Richard’s parents are small-scale farmers who grow maize, beans, and vegetables for their own consumption and they also have a few cattle for milk.

Since he was a baby, Richard has had an inguinal hernia, a condition in which soft tissue protrudes through a weak place in the abdominal muscles. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Richard to receive treatment. On July 4th, he will undergo hernia repair surgery at AMH’s care center. Now, AMH is requesting $566 to fund Richard’s surgery and once complete, this procedure will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.

Richard’s mother shared, “if my son is able to get this treatment it will help stop the suffering he is going through especially this cold season.”

Richard is four year old boy and the third born in a family of four children. He has not yet started school and enjoys looking after his fat...

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Richard's Timeline

  • July 3, 2021
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Richard was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • July 5, 2021
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Richard received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. 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.

  • July 7, 2021
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Richard's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • August 20, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Richard's treatment was successful. Read the update.

  • September 7, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Richard's treatment was fully funded.

Funded by 18 donors

Funded by 18 donors

Treatment
Hernia
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $566 for Richard's treatment
Hospital Fees
$486
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$13
Labs
$14
Other
$27
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

A hernia occurs when a portion of the intestine protrudes through the lower abdominal wall, usually for one of two reasons. The first is a congenital abnormality in which the tissues did not close. The second is excessive stress in an adult, often due to heavy physical labor or pregnancy. Patients experience a bulge or lump in the affected area. The hernia may cause the patient to feel pain, discomfort, weakness, pressure, and sensations of heaviness or aching. These symptoms are often exacerbated when the patient coughs, bends over, or lifts heavy objects. In some cases, hernias have no symptoms and are only detected during routine medical exams.

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

Patients with uncomplicated hernias may experience only annoyance or discomfort. As the hernia opening expands, the discomfort will increase. Small openings are more likely to trap the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal damage or death.

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

Hernias are common in Africa. People often do very hard physical labor and lift heavy objects. Women tend to have more children than those in the United States. It is possible that some hernias have infectious or genetic causes.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Surgery lasts for three to eight hours, depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient will stay in the hospital anywhere from two days to eight weeks, again depending on the age of the patient and the severity of the hernia. The patient is continually monitored.

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

Treatment is curative. The chance of intestinal strangulation or bowel obstruction reduces significantly.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Hernia repair is not a risky procedure, and it comes with few side effects.

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

Many patients will ignore a hernia until it becomes uncomfortable and seek care at that time. Some people will wear tighter pants or a tight band around the waist to prevent the intestine from protruding.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If the hernia is not “stuck,” patients tend to ignore it and adapt to living with it. However, this could lead to future complications.

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.