Current concepts in the surgical management of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the most common pancreatic malignancy comprising approximately 85% of cases. Many aspects of surgical resection of pancreatic cancer have been evaluated as to their effects on morbidity and mortality, including evaluation of anastomotic techniques, the role of extended lymphadenectomies, and the use of vascular reconstruction. Progress in the perioperative care of those undergoing pancreatic resection for PDA has resulted in improved outcomes. This review discusses the preoperative evaluation of a patient with pancreatic cancer and addresses the surgical management of these patients, with special attention to recent areas of progress and controversy.