Showing papers by "Thomas N. Walsh published in 1995"

Helicobacter pylori infection increases following cholecystectomy.

Abstract: Cholecystectomy is frequently linked with duodenogastric reflux and gastritis but its effect onHelicobacter Pylori (H pylori) infection has not been examined. In a prospective study, twenty two patients with documented cholelithiasis underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy and 24hr dual channel pH monitoring prior to cholecystectomy and again at 3–6 months post-operatively. The antral biopsies were histologically assessed forH pylori and gastritis and awarded an alkaline reflux score. The number of patients withH pylori infection increased from 7 (32%) preoperatively to 15 (68%) post-cholecystectomy (p 4 in the supine position, from 9.6 (2.2) to 22.2 (4.8) percent, (p<0.01). The median chemical gastritis score, however, did not change significantly following surgery [8(3–11) vs 7(3–11)]. Seven patients remained symptomatic following cholecystectomy all of whom wereH pylori positive and had gastritis.H pylori can survive in the alkaline environment which follows cholecystectomy and may contribute to the post-cholecystectomy syndrome.