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Success! Saros from Cambodia raised $495 to fund burn contracture release surgery so that she can walk.

Saros
100%
  • $495 raised, $0 to go
$495
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Saros's treatment was fully funded on January 25, 2023.

Photo of Saros post-operation

February 9, 2023

Saros underwent burn contracture release surgery so that she can walk.

Surgeons at CSC repaired the painful skin contractures on Saros’ feet and replaced the dead skin with a skin graft. She remained in the hospital for several days while her incision healed, and when surgeons were sure the new graft had developed an adequate blood supply, Saros was able to return home with her parents. She and her mother are working with the physiotherapy team to help her with a rehabilitative range of motion and strength exercises and hope to have full use of her toes and feet soon. The surgeons look forward to seeing her again to determine if any further care is needed.

Saros’ mother said: we are relieved the burns my daughter suffered are in the past, and she will be able to walk well again. We hope her foot will be better and she can go to school and ride her bike. Thank you for your help, we are very grateful.”

Surgeons at CSC repaired the painful skin contractures on Saros' feet and replaced the dead skin with a skin graft. She remained in the hosp...

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September 1, 2022

Saros is a 17-year-old 8th grade student from Cambodia. Her family includes two brothers, three sisters, and her parents, who fish to support their family. Saros enjoys swimming, playing with her friends, and watching TV. Her best subject in school is Khmer literature, and she wants to be a lawyer when she is older.

In 2019, Saros was burned by fire on her left foot. She went to Vietnam for treatment. Since then, burn scar contractures have developed, tightening the skin around her toes and ankle and making it difficult for her to walk.

When Saros learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for two hours seeking treatment. On September 1st, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her walk easily again. Now, she needs help to fund this $495 procedure.

Saros says, “I hope my foot can move and be comfortable again.”

Saros is a 17-year-old 8th grade student from Cambodia. Her family includes two brothers, three sisters, and her parents, who fish to suppor...

Read more

Saros's Timeline

  • September 1, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • September 1, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Saros 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.

  • September 2, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Saros's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 25, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Saros's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 9, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Saros's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 12 donors

Funded by 12 donors

Treatment
Burn Contracture Release Surgery
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $495 for Saros'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.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.