Laparoscopic management of pancreatic malignancies

Laparoscopic pancreatic resection is performed with increasing frequency for malignant tumors. Data are emerging demonstrating the safety of the laparoscopic approach for distal (left) pancreatectomy, with potential benefits over the standard open approach; however, less information exists as to the effects of laparoscopic resection of cancers of the pancreas. This article reviews and analyzes the existing literature on laparoscopic pancreatectomy for pancreatic malignancies.