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FALL 2005
Letter from the Chair
Nancy Ascher, M.D., chair of the Department of Surgery, discusses the growth and advancements of pediatric surgery at UCSF.
Pediatric Surgery
UCSF Children's Hospital continues to refine surgery for treating
complex anomalies in children, including those developing
in their mothers' wombs. As new surgical approaches are developed,
their effectiveness is carefully scrutinized in clinical studies
and surgeons strive to minimize even the most subtle complications,
according to Diana Farmer, M.D., chief of Pediatric Surgery
and surgeon-in-chief of UCSF Children's Hospital. This issue of Inside
Surgery highlights activities in three areas — Pediatric
Surgery, headed by Farmer; the Fetal Treatment Center, headed
by Michael Harrison, M.D.; and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery,
headed by Tom Karl, M.D.
Treating the Fetus
Fetal surgery has evolved dramatically since its "birth" at UCSF 25 years ago. Today, UCSF pediatric surgeons focus on minimizing a mother's risk of premature labor and identifying the babies most likely to benefit from fetal surgery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Children
New instrumentation and imaging technology let surgeons operate through surprisingly small incisions. This speeds recovery and improves cosmetic results in operations ranging from simple hernia repair to complex organ reconstruction.
Caring for Adolescents
The decision to perform surgery is often affected by the rapid growth patterns of adolescent patients. Whether to take an aggressive or conservative approach is carefully weighed by UCSF pediatric surgeons.
Children's Cancer Surgery
Not all children with cancer require surgery. But for those who do, UCSF Children's Hospital provides expert care. UCSF is one of only two pediatric cancer centers in the country equipped to provide intraoperative radiotherapy during surgery for unresectable areas of tumor.
Pediatric Heart Surgery
The Pediatric Heart Center at UCSF Children's Hospital provides comprehensive care for children with life-threatening heart defects. Research is focused on ways to minimize subtle brain injury from this complex surgery.
Awards and Appointments
Read about the awards and appointments our physicians have received.
Continuing Medical Education
See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.
Referral Liaison Service
The Referral Liaison Service provides assistance to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. For help or information about programs and services at UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Children's Hospital, please call the Referral Liaison Service or visit the www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.
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