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Sorn is a 70-year-old woman from Cambodia who needs $397 to fund nasal surgery.

Sorn
26%
  • $107 raised, $290 to go
$107
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$290
to go
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January 17, 2023

Sorn is a 70-year-old proud mother of seven and grandmother of five who lives in the Battambang province of Cambodia. Her husband passed away 15 years ago and her children live far away, tending their own farms. Sorn lives alone and enjoys listening to local monks pray on the radio.

For the past five years, Sorn has had headaches, nasal congestion with sneezing, and a chronic runny nose, making it difficult for her to breathe. She feels embarrassed to visit her family and neighbors due to her affliction, so she spends much time alone at home. Sorn visited a local hospital for care but was unable to afford the cost of treatment, and medicine from her local pharmacy did not help.

Sorn heard about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), from a neighbor, and traveled six hours for diagnosis and treatment. ENT surgeons from CSC diagnosed her with nasal polyps and have planned a bilateral nasal polypectomy for January 17th. Sorn’s family has put together $37.50 toward her treatment, and CSC is requesting $397 for the full cost. The requested amount will include the operation, hospitalization, and post-op medications. After surgery, Sorn should be able to breathe more easily through her nose and no longer have pain.

Sorn shared, “After surgery, I hope to breathe easily through my nose and stop my headaches. I want to plant my vegetables to sell at the market and support my own living.”

Sorn is a 70-year-old proud mother of seven and grandmother of five who lives in the Battambang province of Cambodia. Her husband passed awa...

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Sorn's Timeline

  • January 17, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 17, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Sorn 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 20, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Sorn's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Sorn is currently raising funds for her treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 me

Funded by 3 donors

Profile 48x48 me
Treatment
Nasal Polypectomy (Bilateral)
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $397 for Sorn's treatment
Hospital Fees
$25
Medical Staff
$321
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?

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 microdebrideror polyp forceps. The tool is inserted through the nostrils to take out the polyps, which avoids any skin cuts. Patients can generally return home the next day following 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 the 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.