Is Helicobacter Pylori Associated with an Increased Complication Rate after Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Introduction: Few studies have reported the prevalence and consequences of infection with Helicobacter pylori among obese patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. This study reviewed whether infection with H. pylori has any association with postoperative complications. This study also examined whether there was any difference in postoperative percent excess weight loss (%EWL). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the pathology reports of 400 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy between 2008 and 2013 at the authors' institution were reviewed. Data examined included the demographics, perioperative and postoperative complications, and %EWL in the follow-up period. Results: In 68 of 400 patients (17%), H. pylori was positive in the specimen. In the H. pylori negative group, 332 patients were eligible for follow-up. No perioperative and postoperative (30 days) complications were registered in the H. pylori positive group. There was one postoperative leak in the H. pylori negative group. No other complications were reported in patients during the 36 months follow-up. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of %EWL during postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: In this study, the prevalence of H. pylori infection among sleeve gastrectomy patient was 17%. H. pylori did not seem to have any influence on postoperative outcomes or %EWL. H. pylori did not increase perioperative complications.