Helicobacter pylori y alteraciones endoscópicas en pacientes con obesidad severa, programados para cirugía bariátrica

When the only effective therapeutic intervention for severely obese patients is bariatric surgery, the most frequently used method is a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the cause of most peptic ulcers and gastric cancers. Many experts recommend routine investigation and eradication of the infection before RYGB. The prevalence of H. pylori and endoscopic alterations among patients scheduled for RYGB had not been studied before in our environment, so we decided to conduct this research. Materials and methods: Severely obese adult patients with no gastric symptoms who were scheduled for RYGB and preoperative upper endoscopy were included in this study. Results: From March 2007 to July 2014, 83 patients were included. 87.95% were women. Mean age was 46.9 +/- 11.4 years (17-62 years). H. pylori was found in 57.83% (95% CI 47.09 - 66.96%) which is similar to  the percentage of infections found in people who are not obese. 60% had some degree of erosive esophagitis including esophageal varices in two patients, and GIST in one patient. None had severe atrophy (OLGA III or IV). Conclusion: All patients had some alterations found during endoscopy. Two patients had esophageal varices. The prevalence of H. pylori is similar to that among people who are not obese. Routine upper endoscopy is recommended for all patients prior to RYGB.