Before the Maastricht Consensus Report opinions on the role and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in upper gastrointestinal disease varied widely amongst gastroenterologists. In 1995 all members of the Czech Society of Gastroenterologists were sent a questionnaire to ascertain their opinions. A response rate of 52 % was achieved (270 of 519). 79 % agreed that Helicobacter pylori causes duodenal ulcers. 93 % agreed, that compared to H2 antagonists, eradication therapy significantly reduces recurrence of duodenal ulcers. Initial presentation of duodenal ulcers would have been treated with H2 antagonists by 47 % and with eradication therapy by 37 % responders. However eradication therapy was much more popular for first recurrences and relapsing ulcers, namely 56 % and 59 %. Also to treat gastric ulcers and non-ulcerative dyspepsia in the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection, 63 % and 70 % would have opted for an eradication protocol. 99 % used routine tests to determine presence of infection and 58 % checked the success of therapy. The same study was carried out in the United Kingdom two years earlier. Overall, Czech specialists had taken on board more of the therapeutic implications of Helicobacter pylori.

        Key words: Helicobacter pylori – questionnaire – peptic ulcer – non-ulcer dyspepsia