[Relation of Helicobacter pylori and the stomach operated on for peptic ulcer]

To review the present information about the relation of Helicobacter pylori with the operated stomach for peptic ulcer.

The frequency of elective surgical operations for peptic ulcer has decreased in the last years as a result of the therapeutic efficacy of modern drugs while urgent operations have increased. Although the association of peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori is well known, the effects of this bacteria on the operated stomach and the effects of the operated stomach on the Helicobacter pylori are not clear.

It seems to be that Helicobacter pylori may not be related with peptic ulcer complications that require surgical treatment. It may cause gastritis and mucosal atrophy on the operated patient, it seems not to provoke recurrent ulcer and it's relation with postoperative gastric cancer is not clear. Non-complete vagotomy favors the colonization by Helicobacter pylori and this is lower in patients that have been submitted to operations that cause biliary reflux (gastrectomy Billroth I, gastrectomy Billroth II, pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomy).

Helicobacter pylori may cause alterations in the operated stomach and the operated stomach may favor Helicobacter pylori colonization or, on the contrary, cause its suppression. New studies are needed in order to know with precision the relationship of this bacteria with the operated stomach and to determine the possible usefulness of postoperative eradication treatment.