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Surgery

General Surgery Clinic

The Pediatric General Surgery Clinic provides compassionate care designed to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of children. This is important because extensive research has shown that children who receive surgical care at pediatric-focused facilities have significantly better outcomes than those seen at adult care centers. Benefits to kids include fewer complications, shorter surgery times and less time in the hospital.

Our surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive techniques, which bring less postoperative pain, less scarring and lower complication risks compared with traditional surgery. With expertise in both common and complex childhood conditions, our team is able to offer the complete spectrum of pediatric surgical care.

We treat a wide variety of pediatric conditions, including:

  • Appendicitis
  • Cancer
  • Chest wall abnormalities
  • Digestive system abnormalities
  • Fetal and newborn birth defects
  • Inguinal and umbilical hernias (those in the groin area and belly button area, respectively)
  • Injuries requiring surgery
  • Lung lesions (abnormal growths)

UCSF specialists developed many of the pediatric surgery methods that are now standard, including certain minimally invasive techniques for newborns and most fetal surgeries. We continue to conduct innovative research that aims to improve the understanding and treatment of numerous conditions, so our patients are frequently among the first to benefit from new findings.

Caring for children who need surgery is a great responsibility and privilege. Our team of world-renowned surgeons, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and support staff is honored to serve patients and families from all over the Bay Area and across the nation.

Our team

Patient stories

Teen surfer saved from paralysis

Our surgical team prevented paralysis in a teen after his harrowing surfing accident.

Read the story

Awards & recognition

  • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF Benioff among the Best Children's Hospitals Ranked in 11 Specialties, 2024-2025

    Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

Our locations (5)

    Conditions we treat

    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 before a procedure. 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.

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Your photo I.D.
    • Your child's health insurance card and co-pay, if applicable
    • A CD or flash drive with any medical imaging studies done at an outside facility (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI with a dictated report). Speak to your team about how to upload these in advance.
    • The name, address and telephone number of your child's primary care provider and of the physician who referred your child
    • Any additional documents you were asked to bring
    • 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

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    Support services

    View All

    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.

    school-re-entry-program-2x

    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.

    individual-playtime-and-tutoring-2x

    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.

    interpreters-2x

    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.

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    Our research initiatives

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    Our therapy dogs spread joy and smiles at the bedside and throughout the hospital.

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