Read our powered by our community 🙌 Check out our 🙌
Meet another patient

Watsi logo blueWatsi

Success! Theary from Cambodia raised $495 to fund burn contracture surgery on her right knee.

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

Photo of Theary post-operation

November 3, 2022

Theary underwent burn contracture surgery on her right knee.

Surgeons released Theary’s burn contractures and applied a skin graft to repair her leg. She spent several days in the hospital until surgeons were sure the graft was healing, then she was able to return home. She and her mother will work with the physiotherapy team to learn how to improve her knee flexion and strength and will return for a check-up in a month or so. After her leg has healed, she will be able to perform daily activities again, like skipping and playing with her friends from school (which she is excited for!)

Theary’s mother said: “We were so worried that Theary would never walk normally after her accident, but now we have hope her leg will be better and she can go to school and ride her bike. Thank you for helping us and other children to have good health. We are very grateful.”

Surgeons released Theary's burn contractures and applied a skin graft to repair her leg. She spent several days in the hospital until surgeo...

Read more
May 10, 2022

Theary is a six-year-old student in first grade. She has a new younger sister who is three months old. Her father is a garment worker and her mother stays home to care for the new baby. She loves the alphabet and wants to be a teacher when she grows up. When not in school, she enjoys playing with toys with her friends, watching cartoons on TV, and drawing pictures. She enjoys drinking fresh milk and when her mom makes fried vegetables with meat to eat.

A couple of years ago, she was playing with friends near a fire and was burned on her right thigh and leg. Although Theary’s wounds healed with treatment, she was left with scar contractures on her right knee, making it difficult for her to walk and to sleep at night. She was referred to Children’s Surgical Centre for specialty surgery. Surgeons determined she needs a release of the contracture of her right knee along with a skin graft to help her heal.

On May 10th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her walk easily again. Now, her family needs help to fund this $495 procedure.

Her mother said: “I hope after surgery Theary can walk and can go to school again.”

Theary is a six-year-old student in first grade. She has a new younger sister who is three months old. Her father is a garment worker and he...

Read more

Theary's Timeline

  • May 10, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • May 10, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Theary 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.

  • May 12, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Theary's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • October 21, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Theary's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 3, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Theary's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 14 donors

Funded by 14 donors

Treatment
Burn Contracture Release Surgery
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $495 for Theary'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.