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VireakSeth is a toddler from Cambodia who needs $495 to fund a burn contracture release surgery.

VireakSeth
16%
  • $80 raised, $415 to go
$80
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$415
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January 9, 2023

VireakSeth has one older brother and lives at home with his parents and grandmother. His grandmother enjoys looking after him in the daytime while his parents are working.

When he was seventeen months old, VireakSeth’s family was burning trash near their home when he accidentally burned his foot. Burn scar contractures have developed on all of his toes and now it is difficult for him to walk.

When VireakSeth’s family learned about our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), they traveled for 1.5 hours seeking treatment. On January 9th, surgeons at CSC will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him walk easily again. Now, he needs help to fund this $495 procedure.

His father said, “I hope after surgery my son’s foot looks better and he can walk again.”

VireakSeth has one older brother and lives at home with his parents and grandmother. His grandmother enjoys looking after him in the daytime...

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VireakSeth's Timeline

  • January 9, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • January 9, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    VireakSeth 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

    VireakSeth's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    VireakSeth is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

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

Funded by 4 donors

Profile 48x48 20180704 133135
Profile 48x48 avatar 20180826 134646

Funded by 4 donors

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