Management of urolithiasis during pregnancy

Renal calculus disease is an infrequent, but not insignificant, occurrence during pregnancy. Fortunately, the majority of symptomatic calculi that present during pregnancy pass spontaneously. However, 20 to 30 per cent of patients do require intervention for stones, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Delay in treatment may jeopardize the pregnancy. Traditional methods of intervention for renal calculus disease have been supplanted by advanced, less invasive techniques; however, their application for the pregnant patient has not been addressed adequately. The varied presentation of urolithiasis during gestation and the use of newer methods of treatment in each is discussed.