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Introduction: Basic operation techniques can be learned in a relatively short time period even in the case of relatively complex operations. However a “learning curve” is to be expected during which the surgeon will gain experience and eventually be able to refine his technique and reduce his complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve effect for pancreatic surgery, which can only be studied at a high-volume center. Methods: Over period of ten years, outcome of pancreatic operations performed by two “senior” pancreatic surgeons (SPS) and one specializing “junior” pancreatic surgeon (JPS) were evaluated relative to increasing experience. Three equally sized blocks of consecutive operations were analyzed for JPS versus SPS. Statistical testing was done with SPSS Ver 17.0 at a significance level of p=0.05. Results: From 2001 to 2010, n=583 pancreatic operations were performed at our institution. Of these, n=245 were performed by two SPS, n=212 by the JPS and n=126 by other surgeons. For the JPS, significant postoperative morbidity rate decreased significantly (from 25% to 9%, p=0.022) with increasing case load to reach a level at the average SPS level (15%) after around 70 pancreatic operations. This was due to a decreasing rate of reoperations (from 21% to 12%, p=n.s.), postoperative bleeding (from 16% to 0% p=0.001) as well as mortality (from 4% to 0%, p=n.s.). Decreasing complication rates were accompanied by a rise in technically demanding procedures and oncologic radicality, as demonstrated by an increasing rate of portal venous resections (from 14% to 23%, p=n.s.) and laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted procedures (from 0% to 20%, p<0.001).Conclusion: With increasing experience, the pancreatic surgeon can minimize his complication rate while simultaneously increasing technically demanding procedures. The learning curve in this field of surgery requires a relatively high case load even for the setting of a high-volume center and reflects the importance of individual surgeon volume. This constitutes a strong argument for centralization of pancreatic surgery.