Helicobacter pylori (HP) occurs in 50% of people worldwide with higher rates reported in the bariatric population. HP has been associated with adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery, however its true impact has not yet been defined. We aimed to systematically review the effect of HP on bariatric surgery outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted yielding seven studies with 255 435 patients. Meta-analysis found comparable rates of bleeding, leak, hospital length of stay, and weight loss between HP-positive and HP-negative patients. HP was, however, found to be the largest independent predictor of marginal ulceration in those undergoing RYGB, with a tenfold increase versus HP-negative patients.  Overall, HP is associated with increased marginal ulceration rates, but has little impact on other bariatric surgery outcomes.

The effect of Helicobacter pylori on outcomes following bariatric surgery: a systematic review