Symptomatic urinary stone disease in pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Symptomatic urinary calculi occur in approximately 1 in 1500 pregnancies.
• Ureteral obstruction from calculi can lead to sepsis, posing significant risks to both mother and fetus.
• Effective management is crucial to minimize maternal and fetal morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an updated overview of diagnostic and management approaches for symptomatic urinary calculi in pregnant patients.
• To guide obstetricians in coordinating prenatal care for women with kidney stones.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on imaging modalities for urinary tract evaluation in pregnancy.
• Discussion of established and emerging management strategies for symptomatic urinary calculi in pregnant women.

Main Results:

• Various imaging techniques are available for investigating the renal tract in pregnant women.
• A proposed management pathway is outlined, integrating diagnostic findings with therapeutic options.

Conclusions:

• Timely and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of urinary calculi in pregnancy.
• A structured approach to investigation and management can improve outcomes for mother and fetus.
• Obstetricians play a key role in coordinating care for pregnant patients with symptomatic urinary calculi.