Helicobacter pylori in sleeve gastrectomies: prevalence and rate of complications.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN SLEEVE GASTRECTOMIES: Prevalence & Rate of Complications. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori has not been established in sleeve gastrectomy specimens and yet initial observations indicate that it is significant. The aim is to determine prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and correlate with rate of post-operative complications. A total of 89 Sleeve gastrectomies were identified. Pathology reports and slides were re-examined. Warthin Starry special stain and clinical history were obtained. 38 cases were Helicobacter pylori positive (44%). 33 (39%) cases initially reported negative for Helicobacter pylori on routine hematoxylin and eosin stained slide; were positive when Warthin starry stain was employed. The presence of neutrophils in tissue was strongly associated with presence of Helicobacter pylori on Warthin stain (p<0.001). Post-operative complications were observed in 8 patients (9%). Complications were not significantly associated with Warthin-Starry special stain status (p=0.98).