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Success! Sovannareach from Cambodia raised $495 to fund burn contracture release surgery so he can regain use of his hand.

Sovannareach
100%
  • $495 raised, $0 to go
$495
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sovannareach's treatment was fully funded on December 21, 2022.

Photo of Sovannareach post-operation

January 4, 2023

Sovannareach underwent burn contracture release surgery so he can regain use of his hand.

Sovannareach successfully underwent burn contracture release surgery and has since returned home with his parents. While in the hospital, he made new friends with his wide smile. The surgeons look forward to seeing him again to determine if any further care is needed.

Sovannareach’s mother said: “Sovannareach is not sure about the big bandage on his hand, but he is happy when I tell him his hand will be better soon and he can play with the other children. We are grateful to the staff at the hospital and the sponsors who gave money so he could have this operation. Thank you!”

Sovannareach successfully underwent burn contracture release surgery and has since returned home with his parents. While in the hospital, he...

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July 14, 2022

Sovannareach is a cheery and playful two-year-old boy from Cambodia. Although he has no siblings, he loves playing with other children around his home!

When Sovannareach was just seven months old, he was accidentally burned by hot water on his right hand. Due to the incident, burn scar contractures have developed, meaning the skin surrounding the burn has tightened. Since this occurred around his fingers, it is now difficult for him to use his right hand.

When Sovannareach’s family learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, they traveled for three hours seeking treatment for their son. On July 14th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him be able to use his hand easily again. Now, his family needs help funding this $495 procedure.

Sovannareach’s parents shared that they hope their son’s hand will heal well so he can regain use of it in the future.

Sovannareach is a cheery and playful two-year-old boy from Cambodia. Although he has no siblings, he loves playing with other children aroun...

Read more

Sovannareach's Timeline

  • July 14, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • July 14, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sovannareach 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.

  • July 14, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sovannareach's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • December 21, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sovannareach's treatment was fully funded.

  • January 4, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sovannareach's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 9 donors

Funded by 9 donors

Treatment
Burn Contracture Release Surgery
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $495 for Sovannareach's treatment
Hospital Fees
$171
Medical Staff
$273
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?

The patient will have burns on one or multiple areas of his or her body, which can be both functionally limiting and cosmetically uncomfortable. Burns can become infected and necrotic. Scars or contractures may form where the individual has been burned. This causes the skin to tighten, making it difficult for the patient to move the affected area. This condition can limit function, especially if the contractures form on the patient's hand.

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

Contracture burns are common on young children's hands and feet, and they limit their mobility. As children grow older, they often become uncomfortable about the appearance of the burns.

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

Many Cambodian homes use open cooking fires, which increase the risk of accidental burns.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

During a 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?

Patients will experience increased function, reduced pain, and a much lower risk of infection.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If less than 40% of the body is burned, these burns can be effectively treated through debridement, skin graft, and contracture release treatments. There is a risk of infection, but this can be managed with various forms of daily dressings.

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

Skin grafts and other burn treatments are accessible at local clinics and hospitals. However, if patients are poor, they often resort to traditional healers.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Traditional medicine is available, but with unsuccessful results.

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.