Pancreatic carcinoma with the incidence of 8-12/100 000 inhabitants (annual incidence: 40-60 in Bratislava, 480-720 in Slovakia) is the third major malignant tumour of digestive system. In their paper the authors summarize current principles and preoperative diagnostics algorithm, the significance of Ca 19-9 as a prognostic factor of the disease. The issues of modes of surgical treatment of pancreatic carcinoma mainly lymphadenectomy, resection v. portae are discussed. In reconstuctive interventions the issue concerning pylorus saving resection according to Watson-Travers-Longmir as opposed to the classical Whipple operation is analyzed. In metastasing tumours palliative surgical procedures in contrast with endoscopic ones are discussed.. The conclusion summarizes the complications after pancreatic resection, their percentage incidence, algorithm of diagnostics and the principle of surgical management.