Endoscopic balloon dilation has been used to treat patients with gastric outlet obstruction caused by peptic stricture. This study assessed the role of endoscopic balloon dilation in patients with gastric outlet obstruction with or without Helicobacter pylori infection.

Consecutive patients seen between January 1996 and September 2001 with benign gastric outlet obstruction (defined as stenosis preventing the passage of a 9mm diameter endoscope, vomiting, succussion splash, and recent weight loss) were prospectively studied. Exclusion criteria were the following: refusal to undergo dilation, and gastric outlet obstruction because of malignancy. At endoscopy, antral biopsy specimens were obtained for histopathologic evaluation and for a rapid urease test for Helicobacter pylori infection. Patients then underwent dilation with through-the-scope balloons. After balloon dilation, patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were treated to eradicate the infection.

Fifty-one patients (33 men, 18 women; median age 65 years; IQR 44–79 years) were studied; 33 consented to endoscopic balloon dilation. Symptom resolution occurred in 25 patients (14 Helicobacter pylori positive, 11 Helicobacter pylori negative). During a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR 16–40 months), 3 of 14 patients in the Helicobacter pylori positive group and 6 of 11 in the Helicobacter pylori negative group developed further ulcer complications (p=0.039).

Conclusions: After endoscopic dilation for gastric outlet obstruction, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with fewer ulcer complications.