Detection rate of Helicobacter pylori in gastric remnant after subtotal gastrectomy

Objective To investigate the relationship between gastric remnant after subtotal gastrectomy and infection of Helicobacter pylori (Hp). Methods A total of 136 patients with remnant stomach in Chongqing were subjected to gastroendoscopy and biopsy specimens were taken. Rapid urease test, PCR, histological study with Warthin Starry staining and ELISA were used to detect Hp infection. Data were analyzed for epidemiology . Results Hp infection was detected in 43.4% patients with remnant stomach. No correlation was found between the Hp infection and the patients' age, sex and post operative duration. The infective rate of Hp was significantly higher in those with B Ⅰ reconstruction (65.8%) than those with B Ⅱ (38.1%), and in those without bile reflux (56.0%)than those with (23.1%). Significant higher infection was also seen in those operated due to peptic ulcer, stomach perforation and gastrorrhagia (47.7%) than those due to gastric cancer (24.2%), and those with ulcer and cancer in remnant stomach than those with chronic gastritis of the remnant stomach and infection of the anastomotic inflammation. Conclusion The lesion of gastric remnant was closely associated with Hp infection, especially in gastric residual cancer. Early treatment was recommended in Hp infection to reduce gastric residual lesion and decrease carcinogenesis in gastric remnant.