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Success! Romart from the Philippines raised $1,437 for hernia repair surgery.

100%
  • $1,437 raised, $0 to go
$1,437
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Romart's treatment was fully funded on September 8, 2016.

Photo of Romart post-operation

October 31, 2016

Romart successfully received hernia repair surgery.

Romart doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting with his family, and already feeling so much better. His family has shared that Romart seems to be in much less pain now and is more calm and peaceful when playing. Now that his hernia has been repaired, he is no longer at risk of intestinal incarceration, obstruction, or strangulation.

“I am thankful for the hearts touched by my sons’s ailment. I pray that there will be more lives like Romart who will be given a better chance to live normally,” shares Romart’s mother. “I pray that the sponsors will succeed in everything that they do. We are truly blessed beyond words. We can now focus in our daily life and plan for the betterment of our family without fear of what might happen to her son. Thank you so much.”

Romart doing great and his surgery was a success. He is currently at home resting with his family, and already feeling so much better. His f...

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July 21, 2016

Romart is a 17-month-old boy from the Philippines, who is dearly loved by his parents. He enjoys playing and entertaining his mother by dancing, and he giggles a lot.

Romart was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. His parents are worried for him, but they could not bring him to a doctor because their limited source of income is from collecting garbage and selling it in a small junk shop. On occasion, Romart’s father works as a “sakada”, a sugarcane laborer in the fields near their town to earn $3 a day.

His parents just want what is best for Romart, and after surgery they hope Romart will grow up normally like other children. “We really couldn’t believe that help could be given to us. At first, we were afraid that Romart needed surgery, but the doctor explained to us that this is the best way for Romart to heal. I am very thankful for your help and I pray for a successful surgery for my son,” his mother shared.

$1,437 will fund the hernia repair surgery that Romart needs. Let’s help make it possible.

Romart is a 17-month-old boy from the Philippines, who is dearly loved by his parents. He enjoys playing and entertaining his mother by danc...

Read more

Romart's Timeline

  • July 21, 2016
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Romart was submitted by Krishiel Ferenal, National Health Officer at International Care Ministries.

  • July 27, 2016
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Romart received treatment at Silliman University Medical Center in Philippines. 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.

  • August 31, 2016
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Romart's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 8, 2016
    FULLY FUNDED

    Romart's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 31, 2016
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Romart's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 19 donors

Funded by 19 donors

Treatment
Inguinal Hernia / Hydrocele Repair
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

The most common symptoms include a local bulge or swelling and pain or discomfort in the groin. An incarcerated or strangulated hernia can lead to nausea, vomiting, fever, intense pain, and a hernia bulge that turns red, purple, or dark. This condition is life-threatening and needs urgent surgical care.

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

An inguinal hernia causes pain and swelling in the groin. Because these symptoms worsen with activity, this condition can limit a patient's ability to work and participate in daily life. This may have significant financial implications for a household. If a hernia gets stuck outside of the abdominal cavity and the opening around it tightens, it is called a strangulated hernia. This condition can disrupt the blood supply to the tissue and result in death of the tissue. This condition is life-threatening.

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

Hernias and hydroceles are common around the world and are not specific to our medical partner's region.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

In the Philippines, most surgeries for inguinal hernias are conducted under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia is also injected into the incision. Once the medications have taken effect, the anesthetist will insert a tube into the patient's throat to manage his or her breathing. An incision is made in the groin, and the defect in the abdominal wall is identified. The edges of the defect are brought together. A patch of mesh is laid on the repaired section to strengthen the closure. The skin incision is then sutured together, the wound is dressed, and the patient is taken to the recovery area until stable. This surgery typically takes about 30 minutes.

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

After a time of rest and healing, the patient will be able resume normal activities. There is a very small risk that the hernia will reoccur or that another hernia will develop at a different site.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

The surgical repair of an inguinal hernia is simple and effective. The risk of complications is very low.

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

Most public hospitals in the Philippines offer this surgery. However, even if a family has government insurance, there are significant out-of-pocket costs that make surgery inaccessible for the poorest patients.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

For younger children with congenital inguinal hernias, there is no alternative treatment to surgery. Older patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery may wear a truss, a suspender that provides support to the hernia.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Marivel

Marivel is a hardworking and loving daughter from the Philippines. She is a 2nd-year college student. While studying, she tried to look for jobs to support her family. Unfortunately, to date she has been unable to pass the medical (health) requirements. The only breadwinner in the family is her father who works as a pedicab driver. Her father's income is often not enough to bring food to the table. In 2018, Marivel began to experience troubling symptoms, including a mass on her neck that is growing in size, and episodes of difficulty breathing. Due to the inadequate family resources, she did not seek treatment. By the time she finally had a chance to be checked by a doctor, her condition had worsened. She was diagnosed with Nodular Non-Toxic Goiter, a thyroid gland enlargement with no disturbance in the thyroid function. She needs surgery to prevent her symptoms from getting worse. Fortunately, our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), is helping Marivel receive treatment. She is scheduled to undergo a thyroidectomy on December 10th at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Surgeons will remove all or part of her thyroid gland. A portion of the cost of her treatment is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $890 to cover the cost of Marivel's procedure and care. Marivel shared, "I'd like to thank Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines. You're not just giving me surgery, but also a chance to support my family. After my treatment, I'd be able to find a decent job and provide for our needs."

49% funded

49%funded
$439raised
$451to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.