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

Watsi logo blueWatsi

SokKea is a 48 year old noodle seller from Cambodia who needs $319 to fund a nasal polypectomy so she can breath easily.

SokKea
4%
  • $15 raised, $304 to go
$15
raised
$304
to go
Dedicate my donation


We'll send your dedicatee an email
about your gift, along with updates
about SokKea's recovery.

December 18, 2022

SokKea is a 48-year-old traditional Khmer noodle seller. She was widowed twenty years ago, and now lives with her married son, who is a garment factory worker. At home, she likes to do housework and to take care of her grandchildren.

Many years ago, SokKea developed nasal polyps, which are noncancerous growths in the lining of the nasal passage. For this reason, she experiences difficulty breathing. She frequently has a runny nose, and sneezes constantly. She tried different medications that she purchased at her local pharmacy, but none of them has been able to alleviate her symptoms. There are many times when she doesn’t feel well enough to work, which puts a strain on the family’s finances.

SokKea learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, and sought their help. Doctors diagnosed her with a deviated septum, in addition to the nasal polyps. She is now scheduled to undergo a nasal polypectomy on December 19th at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. After the polyps have been removed, SokKea should be able to breathe more easily. Now, she needs your help to fund this $319 procedure.

SokKea said: “I hope after surgery I won’t have any more pain in my nose, and I can breathe easily.”

SokKea is a 48-year-old traditional Khmer noodle seller. She was widowed twenty years ago, and now lives with her married son, who is a gar...

Read more

SokKea's Timeline

  • December 18, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    SokKea was submitted by Romanea Khun, Assistant Manager, CSC at Children's Surgical Centre.

  • December 19, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    SokKea was scheduled to receive 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.

  • December 21, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    SokKea's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    SokKea is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting SokKea's treatment update from Children's Surgical Centre.

Funded by 1 donor

Funded by 1 donor

Treatment
Nasal Polypectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $319 for SokKea's treatment
Hospital Fees
$25
Medical Staff
$240
Medication
$0
Supplies
$43
Labs
$6
Radiology
$5
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Nasal polyps are growths that line the inside of the nasal passage that can cause a blocked or runny nose, loss of smell or taste, stuffiness, tooth pain, and facial pain.

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

Nasal polyps can cause persistent discomfort through the obstruction of normal airflow and chronic inflammation. Other complications from untreated nasal polyps include exacerbated asthma, sleep apnea, and recurrent or chronic sinus infections.

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

While some nasal polyps can be treated through steroid drops or sprays, the limited number of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists in Cambodia means that at a point when surgery is needed to remove the nasal polyps, patients are unlikely to receive it.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Removal of the polyps by nasal polypectomy is a surgery performed using a microdebrider or polyp forceps. The tool is inserted through the nostrils to take out the polyps, which avoids any skin cuts. Patients can generally return home a few hours after the surgery.

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

A nasal polypectomy can clear a blocked nose and improve sinus infections, relieving the patient of the chronic discomfort caused by the polyps. It may also improve sense of smell if previously impaired by the nasal polyps.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Risks of a nasal polypectomy include nosebleeds and infection from the swelling of the sinuses. The proximity of the sinuses to eyes creates a very small risk of eye injury during the surgical procedure.

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

Cambodia does not have many ENT specialists, and such services can be expensive. Patients will travel for hours to reach Children’s Surgical Centre to receive care, arriving by bus, motorbike, or taxi.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Alternatives to a nasal polypectomy include steroid sprays, drops, or tablets to shrink the polyps. However, these are usually tried before surgery and if ineffective, surgery is required to remove the polyps.

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.