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Surgery

Surgery Clinic

The Pediatric Surgery Clinic draws on internationally recognized leaders in the fields of pediatric surgical cancer, minimally invasive surgery and birth defects. UCSF has also pioneered work in treating severe birth defects in children before they are born, developing procedures that have resulted in healthy newborns and mothers. Our Oakland campus has a dedicated center for children who need open-heart surgery.

Many modern surgical techniques and modern technologies – developed by UCSF physicians – allow many procedures to be performed with miniature instruments and tiny scopes or video cameras that are inserted through small incisions in the body. The surgeon can make repairs by watching a monitor and moving the instruments. The advantages of this method are numerous. There are fewer risks than in open surgery, and most patients experience less pain and scarring and faster recovery.

And because we also offer a child-focused outpatient setting for more routine surgery, you always get the highest level of care – and comfort – needed for your child's condition. Children from throughout the United States and other countries come to UCSF to benefit from our surgeons' expertise. We offer specialized clinics for certain conditions including:

Chest Wall Deformity Clinic

The Chest Wall Deformity clinic specializes in pectus excavatum, the most common chest wall deformity in children. Pectus excavatum occurs more frequently in boys than in girls and results from abnormal growth of the cartilage – the soft, flexible tissue attached to the sternum or breastbone – causing the chest wall to curve inward. Pectus excavatum often is apparent at birth but typically becomes more severe over time. In most children, this deformity poses no health risk and surgical repair is done primarily for cosmetic reasons.

Hernia Surgery Clinic

Our hernia surgery clinic is a leader in the minimally invasive repair of inguinal hernias. Children, especially babies, present special challenges in surgery because their small size and their responses to illness and surgery. Our pediatric surgeons provide consultation and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient surgical care specifically designed for infants and children.

Our locations (6)

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    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • us news ranked in 10 specialites badge 2020-2021

      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

    New visitor rules

    Patients may have only one visitor at a time and switch visitors twice a day. Thanks!

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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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    Related clinics

    (2)

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    Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

    Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

    San Francisco / Oakland
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    Pre-Surgery Clinic

    Pre-Surgery Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

    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

    After hospitalization, we help kids return to school 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.

    Smell the roses

    Wander outside into our Butterfly Garden in Oakland and our healing gardens at Mission Bay.

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