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Kidney CareSurgery

Kidney Transplant Program

We understand how frightening it may be to hear that your child needs a kidney transplant. Yet, as one of the oldest and most experienced kidney transplant programs in the U.S., we're here to demystify the process, make your family's journey as smooth as possible, and help your child return to normal life. As a leader in pediatric kidney transplantation, our one-year survival rate for both living-related and cadaver kidney transplant recipients is 94 percent, well above the national average.

Our program is a team effort that includes nephrologists (kidney specialists), transplant surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, dialysis specialists, nurses, social workers, family counselors, child life specialists, and specialists in pharmacy and nutrition, all of whom have training and experience in addressing the unique needs of children. These experts work collaboratively, sharing the goal of helping each child get back to being a kid.

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Our locations (5)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • One of the nation's best for nephrology

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Becoming a living donor

    Find out more

    The gift of an organ offers someone another chance at life. If you have questions or would like more information, please send us an email at [email protected].

    You can also explore details about UCSF Health's kidney care providers, patients and evaluation process.

    Related treatments

    Plan your visit

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Contact information, dates of birth and medical histories of family members
    • 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 (2)

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    Kidney Clinic

    Kidney Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Fresno / Greenbrae / Modesto / Monterey / Sali...
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    Dialysis Unit

    Dialysis Unit

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

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

    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.

    Decorative Caduceus

    Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network

    Defined as remission, partial remission and non-remission

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    Decorative Caduceus

    Ferric Citrate and Chronic Kidney Disease in Children

    Change in iFGF23 levels

    Recruiting

    More about this study
    See all clinical trials

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-division-of-transplant-surgery-research-2x

      UCSF Division of Transplant Surgery Research

      Learn more

    Tender wagging care

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

    Visit Child Life services

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