Early effects of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Following weight loss surgery, many patients initially experience nonspecific foregut symptoms. Helicobacter pylori infection of the gastric remnant may be associated with foregut symptoms.


METHODS
Inception cohort.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Ninety-nine consecutive patients being evaluated for weight loss surgery.


METHODS
All patients underwent preoperative esophagogastroduodenoscopy and H pylori testing.


METHODS
Foregut symptoms were documented at routine post-weight loss surgery follow-up visits.


RESULTS
Preoperatively, 24% of patients tested positive for H pylori. Postoperative foregut symptoms were significant in 48% of the H pylori-positive group, and 19% of the H pylori-negative group (P = .02). This increase remained even after controlling for age, sex, preoperative presence of antritis, type of surgery performed, and body mass index (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval,1.1-11.8). Patients with prolonged symptoms who tested positive for H pylori were given an eradication treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of H pylori infection in patients undergoing weight loss surgery is high, and a significant proportion of them have postoperative foregut symptoms. Consideration should be given to H pylori treatment in these patients.
Ramaswamy
Archana
A
Department of Surgery, Section of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Emory Bariatrics, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Lin
Edward
E
Ramshaw
Bruce J
BJ
Smith
C Daniel
CD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D049088:Bariatrics; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors