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Objective Distal pancreatectomy is the most extensive operation to treat malignant tumors of the left pancreas; however, malignant pancreatic tumors are prone to early invasion and metastasis. Methods The clinical data of 80 patients undergoing surgical treatment for malignant tumors of the pancreatic body or tail from January 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The main clinical variables were compared between patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) vs. open distal pancreatectomy (ODP). Results There were no significant differences in general patient characteristics, complications, and postoperative survival (χ 2  = 0.09) between the groups. The operation time in the LDP group was significantly longer than that in the ODP group; however, the LDP group was superior to the ODP group regarding the length of postoperative hospital stay, diet recovery, and rectal exhaust and ambulation times. Conclusion LDP is a safe and feasible treatment for left pancreatic malignancies, with the same surgical efficacy as ODP. LDP also has the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, such as minimal trauma and enhanced recovery after surgery.