Approach to Patients after Successful Eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

<i>Helicobacter pylori</i> (<i>H. pylori</i>) is a well-known gastrointestinal microorganism that causes chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers, which may evolve into gastric cancer. Previous studies have shown that <i>H. pylori</i> eradication inhibits the development of primary and metachronous gastric cancer. Therefore, the Kyoto global consensus recommends eradication therapy for both symptomatic and asymptomatic <i>H. pylori</i>-infected patients. Gastric cancer is detected even in patients after successful <i>H. pylori</i> eradication. Recent studies have reported the role of endoscopy in detection of primary gastric cancers after <i>H. pylori</i> eradication. Development of gastric cancer may be observed several months or even >10 years after successful <i>H. pylori</i> eradication. Therefore, identification of high-risk patients in whom extensive surveillance may prove beneficial represents a clinical dilemma. In this review, the characteristics of gastric cancer patients who have undergone successful <i>H. pylori</i>-eradication therapy are summarized.