[Internal urinary diversion in complicated pregnancy-induced hydronephrosis]

In 14 women with sympthomatic hydronephrosis of pregnancy (calix diameter 1-2.6 cm) an internal urinary drainage was carried out during the second half of pregnancy. Retrograde stenting was performed following cystoscopy in all cases. Follow up examinations were taken weekly for the first two weeks and further on biweekly. Primary stenting was possible in 12 out of 14 cases and in 2 patients dilatation of the ureteral orifice was necessary. 11 out of 14 patients suffered from complications consisting of severe dysuria (9x), urinary tract infection (7x), persisting lumbar pain plus catheter lumen obstruction (6x each) as well as catheter dislocation (3x). Long term follow up showed that urinary tract obstruction was relieved by stenting in only 6 out of 14 patients. Sufficient urinary drainage by so called double-J-ureteral stents was achieved in less than half of the cases. Moreover, there was a complication rate of more than 75%. Taking these results into consideration, internal drainage of complicated pregnancy hydronephrosis needs careful evaluation.