Watsi

Success! Rin from Cambodia raised $805 to fund skin graft surgery to heal her burns.

100%

$805 raised, $0 to go

$805

raised

to go

Fully funded

Rin's treatment was fully funded on February 11, 2023.

Rin's story
Rin's update

Photo of Rin post-operation

February 27, 2023

Rin underwent skin graft surgery to heal her burns.

Rin had surgery to replace the damaged skin and help her heal. She remained at the hospital for several dressing changes to make sure the grafts were successful, then she was able to return home. She worked with the physiotherapy team on exercises to increase flexion and strengthen her hands, which she will start as soon as the incision is healed. It is important for her to return to work to support her family, and surgeons look forward to seeing her again to determine if any further care is needed.

Rin shared with us: “Thank you. I am grateful that I will be able to use my hands and not be in pain. I have been very stressed that I was unable to work, and I could not support my son. This will make a big difference in my life.”

Rin had surgery to replace the damaged skin and help her heal. She remained at the hospital for several dressing changes to make sure the gr...

September 14, 2022

Rin is a 43-year-old mother of one. She is a construction worker and divorced from her husband. She has one son who lives with her. In her free time, she likes to listen to Khmer songs and do things around the house.

Earlier this month, she was working on a roof near a high-voltage wire and suffered multiple electrical burns on her hands, feet, and head. She was taken to a referral hospital, but only received minimal dressing for her burns. The tissue damage is extensive, and she is in pain and unable to use her hands.

When Rin learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On September 15th, surgeons at CSC will perform a skin graft surgery to to help regenerate the damaged skin. Now, she needs help to fund this $805 procedure.

Rin is hopeful that after surgery her hands will be better and she will be able to work again.

Rin is a 43-year-old mother of one. She is a construction worker and divorced from her husband. She has one son who lives with her. In her f...

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

Rin's Timeline

September 14, 2022
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Rin was submitted by Sieng Heng at Children's Surgical Centre.
September 15, 2022
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Rin 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 17, 2022
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Rin's profile was published to start raising funds.
February 11, 2023
FULLY FUNDED
Rin's treatment was fully funded.
February 27, 2023
TREATMENT UPDATE
Rin's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Share Rin's story

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment

Severe Burn Treatment

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $805 for Rin's treatment

Hospital Fees

$171

Medical Staff

$583

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?

Patients have severe burns that develop infections. Patients cannot move easily and are in pain, preventing them from working. Burns may cause changes in physical appearance. Severe burns can be acid burns, gas fire burns, and electrical burns. These burns typically cover large portions of skin across multiple limbs.

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

Intentional attack burns are meant to disfigure and maim victims for life, so the social impacts of their burns are severe. Families may be heavily impacted by the attack, and victims may be socially isolated or have difficulty finding work.

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

Acid is widely available in Cambodia, with little or no regulation. It is commonly used in car and motorbike batteries, rubber processing, and jewelry making.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

Severe burn victims stay at Children's Surgical Centre for up to three months, undergoing multiple surgeries to treat the burned skin. During the first 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?

The patient's infections will be treated, the skin will be healed, and he or she will enjoy improved confidence.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

These treatments are low-risk.

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

Severe burn treatments are available at burn units in Cambodia. However, because treatment requires a long hospital stay, the bill can become very expensive. When a patient cannot pay, he or she may be expelled from the hospital in the middle of a treatment plan.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Treatment outside of a hospital environment is very dangerous and can cause serious infections.

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