Success! Sokly from Cambodia raised $495 to fund burn contracture surgery on his hand.

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$495 raised, $0 to go

$495

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Sokly's story
Sokly's update

April 28, 2023

Sokly is a 10-year-old student in grade two from Cambodia. His mother and his father are rice farmers in Kampong Cham province, where his sisters and his brother also attend the local public school. Sokly has an intellectual disability, but enjoys going to school and is learning to read. At home, his favorite meal is chicken.

In 2014, when he was only one year old, Sokly was burned in a hot water accident. Four of his fingers eventually developed web space skin contractures. Burn scan contractures have developed, tightening the skin around his burn. He now experiences several functional limitations, making it difficult to perform daily activities such as grasping or gripping.

On April 28th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to release the tightened skin, which will help him to use his hand easily again. Surgeons will add a full-thickness skin graft- taking healthy skin from a donor site and moving it to cover the area with damaged skin. Now, he and his family need help to fund this $495 procedure.

His mother said: “I hope that Sokly can use his hand and life will be easier for him.”

Sokly is a 10-year-old student in grade two from Cambodia. His mother and his father are rice farmers in Kampong Cham province, where his si...

Photo of Sokly post-operation

July 24, 2023

Sokly underwent burn contracture surgery on his hand.

Sokly underwent surgery to release the contractures caused by his burn scars and replace the damaged skin with a free flap to reconstruct his burned fingers. He stayed at the hospital for multiple dressing changes to ensure the success of the grafts and took antibiotics to minimize the risk of reinfection. Afterward, he was discharged and able to return home. Physical therapy will play a crucial role in maintaining and restoring the range of motion and function of his hand. This may involve stretching exercises and massage to keep the joints properly aligned and prevent further tightening of the scar tissue. It is essential for Sokly to continue attending school and engaging in his favorite activities. His mother holds hope that he will regain the use of his hand and that other children won’t tease him because of it.

Sokly’s mother said: “My son will no longer have a scar on his right hand and will be able to use his hand in school. We are so thankful that he was able to receive this treatment from good surgeons at the hospital.”

Sokly underwent surgery to release the contractures caused by his burn scars and replace the damaged skin with a free flap to reconstruct hi...

April 28, 2023
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Sokly was submitted by Menglong Sok, Manager, Administration at Children's Surgical Centre.
April 28, 2023
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Sokly 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 9, 2023
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Sokly's profile was published to start raising funds.
July 6, 2023
FULLY FUNDED
Sokly's treatment was fully funded.
July 24, 2023
TREATMENT UPDATE
Sokly's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 1 donor

Treatment

Burn Contracture Release Surgery

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $495 for Sokly's treatment

Hospital Fees

$171

Medical Staff

$273

Medication

Supplies

$43

Labs

Radiology

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.

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100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

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Jackline is a 30-year-old devoted mother from Uganda. She completed her education through high school and now works as a small-scale farmer. Her husband works as a teacher in a private school, and to supplement their income, they sell some of their farm produce. Jackline has two children who she loves dearly. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family Jackline is currently expecting her third child. Her doctors have recommended that she deliver via a Caesarean section due to scars from her previous deliveries. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Jackline undergo a C-section on August 1st, at Karoli Lwanga Hospital, Nyakibale. This procedure will cost $252, and is the best way for the doctors to ensure the safety of both Jackline and the baby. Now Jackline and her family need your help to raise the money to fund this procedure. Jackline says: “I have always faced challenges to be discharged in all my past surgical deliveries. I came in to ask for support this time to ensure the success of my delivery.”

Path is an elderly retired rice farmer from Kampong Cham province. He is married and has four daughters and three grandchildren. They live with their third daughter, who has a mental health disorder and needs their care. Due to her age, his wife no longer work and their daughters support them financially. At home, he likes to listen to the monks pray on the radio and visits the pagoda whenever he can. Three years ago, Path developed a cataract in his left eye. His ability to care for his family has been compromised because he finds it challenging to be outside in bright or dim light. When Path learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On June 6th, doctors will performed a small incision cataract surgery, and an intraocular lens implant in his left eye. Following a successful recovery, he will regain his clear vision. However, he currently requires assistance in funding the $253 procedure. Path said: "I hope that after the surgery, my eyes will be able to see better and I will feel happy again. I want to be able to see my family and friends, see the beauty of the world, and worship at the pagoda with joy again."

Sokly's Timeline

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Funded by 1 donor

Treatment

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.