Purpose of review: This is a review and summary of pertinent publications that have affected the surgical management of pancreatic disease in 2004.
Recent findings: The surgical treatment of pancreatic cancer continues to advance. Over the past year, there have been several reports of collected experiences with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Most patients with pancreatic cancer do not have resectable disease, and the recent thoughts on palliation are discussed. Three institutions published large series on the treatment of intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasms. Laparoscopic surgery is being used more widely to manage islet cell tumors of the pancreas and chronic pancreatitis. The complications of acute and chronic pancreatitis continue to be serious concerns for clinicians.
Summary: The surgical management of pancreatic diseases continues to evolve as surgical techniques and our knowledge of the disease processes improve. A renewed clinical and scientific focus on this organ is changing the treatment of pancreatic neoplasms and holds the promise of improved outcomes.