Helicobacter pylori infections--are these diseases relevant for surgical treatment?

Helicobacter pylori infection and its strong association with gastroduodenal diseases has revolutionized our views and treatment options in these diseases. Surgery has always been considered a mainstay in their treatment. The development of potent eradication regimes has changed indications for operative treatment. With endoscopic procedures being increasingly performed by the surgeon himself, it has become necessary that he educate himself in the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori infection in order to be able to cope with these diseases in every day surgical practice. Treatment of H. pylori infection may not only be seen as an alternative to operative therapy, but also as an adjunct following surgical treatment of gastroduodenal disease.