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Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition

Pancreas Program

(415) 353-7337

The Pediatric Pancreas Program provides expert care for children of all ages, from infants to teens, with acute or chronic pancreatic conditions. We're one of the few approved National Pancreas Foundation centers in California, a designation reserved for programs that bring together many types of specialists to seek the best possible outcome for each patient. Our team includes specialists in pediatric surgery, endocrinology, radiology and endoscopy, as well as genetic counselors and pain medicine specialists.

We provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, using noninvasive or minimally invasive technologies such as MRI, endoscopy (in which a thin, flexible instrument with a camera is inserted into the body to allow viewing of internal organs or tissues) and endoscopic ultrasound.

Our patients have access to the full range of treatments, from medications to surgical procedures. For those who need surgical removal of the pancreas, we are one of the few medical centers in the nation – and the only one in the West – to offer total pancreatectomy with islet auto-transplant (TP-IAT) for pediatric patients. This procedure can prevent a child from developing diabetes after the pancreas is removed by preserving the body's ability to make insulin.

Alongside our commitment to providing the best care is our dedication to improving the understanding and treatment of pancreatic conditions in children through research. Our team is involved in many ongoing studies, including the largest international research consortium focused on pediatric pancreatitis. Interested families may have the option to enroll their child in a clinical trial, a study that evaluates a promising new treatment.

Our locations (1)

    Related conditions

    • Acute recurrent pancreatitis

    • Chronic pancreatitis

    • Hereditary pancreatitis

    • Pancreatic insufficiency

    • Pancreatic tumors

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    • Top 10 in the nation for gastroenterology & GI surgery

    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.

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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.

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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.

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    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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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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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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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.

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-division-of-pediatric-gi-hepatology-and-nutrition-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Pediatric GI, Hepatology & Nutrition Research

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    Soothing the soul

    Our music therapy program nurtures patients with bedside serenades, rap workshops and more.

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