Ureteric obstruction in pregnancy--diagnosis and management

To discuss the aetiology, diagnosis and management of ureteric obstruction in pregnancy and to describe the use of double-pigtail ureteric stents in a series of 10 patients.

Retrospective study of women presenting to a maternity unit in whom the diagnosis of ureteric obstruction is reached.

Southmead Hospital in Bristol; a large district general hospital with a throughput of around 6000 maternity patients per year.

10 women (8 in their first pregnancy, 1 in her second and 1 in her third; mean age 29.2 years (range 18-31 years).

Double-pigtail ureteric stents were electively passed after a diagnosis of ureteric obstruction. Stents remained in situ for a mean 15.5 weeks (range 8-25 weeks) and were electively removed 4-6 weeks post partum.

Nine women progressed uneventfully through the remainder of their pregnancy. One developed strangury, haematuria and discomfort after stent insertion. Seven women had normal vaginal deliveries, two assisted vaginal deliveries and one was delivered by caesarean section. None required to have external urinary drainage.

Double-pigtail ureteric stents are easy to place and remove and are well tolerated. They provide a simple, safe and effective method of internal upper urinary tract drainage in ureteric obstruction in pregnancy.