Influence of Helicobacter pylori infection on gastrointestinal symptoms and complications in bariatric surgery patients: a review and meta-analysis

Background

Numerous papers have discussed the importance of preoperative detection and eradication of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in bariatric patients.

Objectives

This systematic review specifically focuses on the influence of HP infection on clinical symptoms, complications, and abnormal endoscopic findings in postbariatric patients.

Methods

A systematic search on the influence of HP infection on postoperative complications in bariatric surgery was conducted. The methodologic quality of the included studies was rated using the Newcastle-Ottawa rating scale. The agreement between the reviewers was assessed with Cohen's kappa. The included studies were assessed into 2 groups, studies with and without eradication therapy preoperatively.

Results

A total of 21 studies were included with a methodologic quality ranging from poor to good. The agreement between the reviewers, assessed with the Cohen's kappa, was .70. Overall, tendency in the included studies was that HP infection was associated with an increased risk for developing marginal ulcers and postoperative complications. A meta-analysis on the incidence of marginal ulcers and overall postoperative complications was conducted and showed, respectively, an odds ratio of .508 (.031–8.346) and 2.863 (.262–31.268).

Conclusions

HP is frequently found in patients before and after bariatric and metabolic surgery. We assessed whether, according to the current literature, HP increases the risk for developing postoperative complications after surgery. This meta-analysis shows that a methodologically good study should be performed to clarify the role of HP in bariatric patients and the question of whether HP should be eradicated before surgery.