Urolithiasis-induced obstructive uropathy in pregnant women: Current approaches to treatment

Abstract

Emergency drainage of the upper urinary tract for obstructive uropathy and/or acute pyelonephritis in pregnant women is a vital operation. Objective-to compare complications due to internal and external drainages of the upper urinary tract in pregnant women with obstructive uropathy in order to choose the most optimal method. Subject and methods. Among 48 treated pregnant women (28 patients with obstructive uropathy and 20 with acute pyelonephritis), 41 patients underwent follow-up, examination, and treatment and were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 21 pregnant women with obstructive uropathy at 12-32 weeks' gestation, in whom double-J upper urinary tract stenting was chosen as a drainage procedure; group 2 consisted of 20 pregnant women with clinical signs of acute pyelonephritis at 22-23 weeks' gestation who had percutaneous needle nephrostomy. All emergency surgical interventions were performed within 24 hours of admission and antibiotic therapy. Results. It was established that Group 1 undergoing upper urinary tract stenting showed the largest number of complications (stent dislocation and encrustation, vesicoureteral reflux, and reflux pyelonephritis), which required the highest number of therapeutic measures. In Group 2, the complications were associated with drainage dysfunction (salt-induced obstruction, spontaneous drainage discharge) and were observed much less frequently. Contraindications to ureteral stenting and indications for contact ureterolithotripsy, minimally invasive surgery, were developed. Percutaneous needle nephrostomy is a universal method of upper urinary tract drainage, which can be used at any gestation period and for any reason of obstruction. Conclusion. The high rates of drainage-associated complications necessitate a differentiated approach to choosing a drainage method for obstructive uropathy or acute pyelonephritis in pregnant women and to preventing catheter-associated complications in previously performed stenting.