Helicobacter pylori and post gastric surgery symptoms: a study of 36 operated patients

ABSTRACT

A total of thirty six operated subjects [31 for duodenal ulcer and 5 for gastric ulcer] were retrospectively selected 6 months to 8 years postoperatively, and studied for the effect of peptic ulcer surgery upon Helicobacter pylori [H.pylori] colonization in the gastroduodenal mucosa and its correlation with post gastric surgery symptoms. Twenty five patients represented the symptomatic group, while eleven patients had no gastroduodenal troubles [non symptomatic group]. Upper G.I endoscopic examination was performed to all subjects, using a modified endoscopic mucosal changes score and a bile reflux score to assess objectively the gastroduodenal mucosal changes. Endoscopic biopsies were obtained and examined using Clo test to detect H.pylori colonizations. Mucosal changes scores were significantly higher in symptomatic group. H.pylori colonization was significantly lower in symptomic group, specially when bile reflux score was high. The eradication power of bile upon H.pylori was assured. H. pylori infection played a minor role in causing post gastric surgery symptoms in this study. It's role could be of importance only when enterogastric reflux is absent