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Mech is is a 15-year-old farmer from Cambodia who needs $495 to fund a burn contracture release surgery to to relive him of pain.

Mech
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  • $110 raised, $385 to go
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January 9, 2023

Mech is a 15-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He lives at home on his family’s rice farm with his parents and younger sister. He enjoys Cambodian beef soup and playing volleyball with his friends.

Last September, Mech was helping one of his uncle’s at a construction site when he got an electric burn on his hand and wrist. His uncle rushed him to the local hospital and they suggested he come to Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) for treatment. Mech is still in pain and unable to use his hand.

When Mech learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), he traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On January 9th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to relive his pain and help him use his hand again. Now, he needs help to fund this $495 procedure.

Mech shared, “I hope after the operation my hand and wrist can heal so I can work and play volleyball again.”

Mech is a 15-year-old farmer from Cambodia. He lives at home on his family's rice farm with his parents and younger sister. He enjoys Cambod...

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Mech's Timeline

  • January 9, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 9, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Mech 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.

  • January 12, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Mech's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Mech is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 avatar 20180826 134646
Profile 48x48 20180704 133135
Profile 48x48 watsi group picture

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 avatar 20180826 134646
Profile 48x48 20180704 133135
Profile 48x48 watsi group picture
Treatment
Burn Contracture Release Surgery
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $495 for Mech'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.

Samson

Samson is a widower and father of a 9-year-old child. He works as a laborer at a garage washing cars to support himself and his child. A few years ago, Samson started experiencing epigastric pain and discomfort, and could not keep down his food. He has sought treatment at other hospitals before, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, Samson's condition worsened and his brother helped him seek care with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Doctors there conducted an endoscopy and found that the cause of Samson's symptoms was gastric obstruction due to pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. If left untreated, Samson will continue to experience pain. His symptoms may also worsen, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and an overall decreased quality of life. Surgeons have recommended a laparotomy to treat Samson's condition. Fortunately, Samson is scheduled for surgery on March 13th with the help of African Mission Healthcare. Samson needs help raising $788 to fund the cost of his procedure. After surgery, not only will Samson's quality of life improve, but he will also be able to care for himself and his child. “I have been unable to care for myself and my child, becoming a burden to my family. The pain is also too much and I am afraid my wife went through the same and died. I plead for support so that I may be treated and get back to my normal life. I am also the only hope of my child,” said Samson.

6% funded

6%funded
$50raised
$738to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Samson

Samson is a widower and father of a 9-year-old child. He works as a laborer at a garage washing cars to support himself and his child. A few years ago, Samson started experiencing epigastric pain and discomfort, and could not keep down his food. He has sought treatment at other hospitals before, but to no avail. A few weeks ago, Samson's condition worsened and his brother helped him seek care with our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare. Doctors there conducted an endoscopy and found that the cause of Samson's symptoms was gastric obstruction due to pyloric stenosis, a narrowing of the opening from the stomach into the small intestine. If left untreated, Samson will continue to experience pain. His symptoms may also worsen, leading to dehydration, weight loss, and an overall decreased quality of life. Surgeons have recommended a laparotomy to treat Samson's condition. Fortunately, Samson is scheduled for surgery on March 13th with the help of African Mission Healthcare. Samson needs help raising $788 to fund the cost of his procedure. After surgery, not only will Samson's quality of life improve, but he will also be able to care for himself and his child. “I have been unable to care for myself and my child, becoming a burden to my family. The pain is also too much and I am afraid my wife went through the same and died. I plead for support so that I may be treated and get back to my normal life. I am also the only hope of my child,” said Samson.

6% funded

6%funded
$50raised
$738to go