Is Helicobacter pylori a myth or the missing link?

Since its discovery over a decade ago, Helicobacter pylori has assumed increasing importance as a pathogenic factor in such gastroduodenal diseases as peptic ulcers, gastric carcinoma, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. As a result, new preventive and therapeutic strategies are being introduced. While most are nonoperative, some will require endoscopic access or minimally invasive surgery. It is, therefore, crucial that gastrointestinal surgeons be familiar with and involved in the continuing evolution of this new paradigm.