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Success! Sunn from Cambodia raised $304 to fund hardware removal.

Sunn
100%
  • $304 raised, $0 to go
$304
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Sunn's treatment was fully funded on February 9, 2023.

Photo of Sunn post-operation

February 27, 2023

Sunn underwent hardware removal to heal his fracture.

Sunn traveled to Children’s Surgical Centre to remove hardware from his forearm. He recovered at the hospital for several days to make sure the surgical site was healing and then returned home. He worked with a physiotherapist to increase the strength in his arm and can now return to the activities he enjoyed before being injured. Having full use of his arm again will allow him to dress himself and be more independent.

Sunn said: “I am happy to have the metal removed from my arm; now I can help my family at home. We are lucky to have generous donors and good care here.”

Sunn traveled to Children's Surgical Centre to remove hardware from his forearm. He recovered at the hospital for several days to make sure ...

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October 11, 2022

Sunn is a 71-year-old widower and retired farmer, living in Kandal province in Cambodia. He has two sons, three daughters, and many grandchildren. Except for his youngest daughter - who lives with him - all of his other children are married and live elsewhere.

Ten years ago Sunn fractured his left forearm in a work accident. He underwent surgery at a local hospital to correct his injury, and plates and screws were placed to stabilize the fracture. Five months ago, after lifting a heavy weight, his arm became deformed and swollen. He has insufficient funds to return to the local hospital, but the metal from the implanted plates and screws is visible, and he is living with constant pain.

Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. On October 11th, Sunn will undergo debridement and a hardware removal procedure, at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. This surgery will decrease the risk of further injury, and allow for proper healing. Now Sunn needs your help to fund the $304 cost of the operation.

Sunn shared: “ I hope after surgery my left forearm will have no pain, no swelling, and no infection. I need to use my arm to watch my grandchildren and help my family.”

Sunn is a 71-year-old widower and retired farmer, living in Kandal province in Cambodia. He has two sons, three daughters, and many grandch...

Read more

Sunn's Timeline

  • October 11, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • October 11, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Sunn 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 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sunn's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 9, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Sunn's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 27, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Sunn's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 10714363 739039089511249 3116632349941804854 o
Profile 48x48 margaret cornelius headshot 2 high res

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 10714363 739039089511249 3116632349941804854 o
Profile 48x48 margaret cornelius headshot 2 high res
Treatment
ORIF / Fracture
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $304 for Sunn's treatment
Hospital Fees
$36
Medical Staff
$217
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?

Patients who experience painful fractures or recurrent dislocations need ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) surgeries to heal the injuries. Most often, these fractures and dislocations result from traffic accidents. ORIF procedures require the insertion of metal plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bones while they heal. Bowleg procedures also require the insertion of hardware, such as staples, in order to realign the legs. Bowleg can be caused both by genetics and by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. However, surgeons may decide to remove the hardware. The most common reason for hardware removal is pain or loss of mobility and range of motion around the ORIF site. Other reasons include infection, nerve damage, incomplete healing of the bone, or an allergy to the implant.

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

Living with hardware fixation causes pain, limits function, and can interfere with daily activities.

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

There is a high rate of traffic accidents in Cambodia because of a lack of helmet usage and weak enforcement of traffic laws. These accidents cause many of the fractures and bone dislocations that our medical partner sees.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

During an ORIF procedure, the deformed or broken bone is correctly aligned into its normal position. Steel rods, screws, or plates are used to keep the bone fracture stable and allow it to heal. Sometimes, bone grafting is needed to promote healing. During hardware removal, surgeons use the previous incisions to find and remove the hardware. In some cases, additional incisions are made to safely perform the operation.

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

Patients will experience restored function and mobility. They will also have reduced pain. Patients can be independent again and return to work, school, and family life.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This surgery is low-risk and extremely effective.

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

Rural Cambodians often self-medicate or seek treatment from traditional healers because they cannot afford treatment at local clinics or hospitals. Many patients are referred to CSC by word of mouth.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There is no alternative to this treatment.

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.