A distal pancreatectomy is performed for pancreatic cancer, other pancreatic tumors, and pancreatic cysts. At UAB, approximately two-thirds of these cases are performed laparoscopically. The determination to perform an open or laparoscopic procedure is based on patient history, medical conditions, and tumor type and location. Hospital stay for both procedures is four to seven days. The most common complication is pancreatic leak from the transected pancreas, which occurs in about 20 percent of patients.