[Carcinoma of the pancreas]

The extensive use of diagnostic tools has made possible easier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, sometimes histologic diagnosis is still lacking at the operation. However, it is not necessary for resection. Therapeutic management depends on surgeon's evaluation of anatomic situation, patient's age and general condition. Similarly, sometimes only surgical evaluation can show if cancer can be resected or not. Laparoscopy seems useful to detect small peritoneal metastases which can not be seen with other procedures. In the last years, reduction of morbidity and mortality is the main goal achieved. Excluding some selected surveys, long term survival is still disappointing.