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Surgery

Pre-Surgery Clinic

When your child is scheduled for surgery, it's important for both of you to be prepared. To make sure your child is ready and that surgery and recovery will go smoothly, your doctor will make an appointment for the two of you with UCSF's pediatric Pre-Surgery Clinic.

We'll perform the needed tests and blood work, and do a physical exam. If your child is going to be sedated, a nurse practitioner or anesthesiologist will talk to you about anesthesia and pain during and after the operation. In addition to making sure our young patients are medically prepared, we want to help them understand and feel comfortable with their hospital visit.

Our locations (3)

    Our team

    Preparing for surgery

    Read before your visit

    Preparing for your child's surgery

    Learn what to expect and how you can help ensure that your child's procedure and recovery go smoothly.

    Learn more

    Watch with your child

    Surgery day at Oakland

    Visualization can help kids, especially those with autism, feel less anxious about surgery. Follow Beni the Bear's experience at our Oakland hospital so your family knows what to expect.

    Watch with your child

    Surgery day at Walnut Creek

    Beni's adventure continues at our Walnut Creek campus. See what surgery day is like at this location, from check-in to discharge.

    Watch with your child

    Surgery day at Mission Bay

    If your child is having surgery at our Mission Bay hospital, watch this video together to get a look inside our facility and find out what to expect.

    Vea con su hijo

    Día de la cirugía en Mission Bay

    Si su hijo se somete a una cirugía en nuestro hospital de Mission Bay, vean juntos este video para echar un vistazo dentro de nuestras instalaciones y averiguar qué pueden esperar.

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

    Learn more
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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (1)

    limb-lengthening-and-reconstruction-center-320x320-2x 6

    General Surgery Clinic

    General Surgery Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Brentwood / Fremont / San Ramon / Walnut Creek

    Support services

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    Social Services

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Saving future lives

    500+ UCSF investigators are researching cures for hundreds of childhood and adult diseases.

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