Use of Doppler ultrasonography and rigid ureteroscopy for managing symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy.

Abstract

To evaluate the use of Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) and rigid ureteroscopy (RU) for managing symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy. The study comprised 15 pregnant women with persistent renal pain; all were assessed with conventional US followed by DUS in both kidneys. The mean period of gestation at presentation was 25.5 weeks. Stones were found in the right side in 11 patients (73%), in the left in three (20%) while no stone was found in the remaining patient (7%). There was a significantly higher mean resistive index in all 15 obstructed kidneys than in the contralateral normal kidneys. RU was used in all patients, with removal of the stones and fixation of JJ stent. All patients improved after the procedure and completed pregnancy safely up to full-term, except for premature labour in one patient. DUS and RU are efficient for the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic ureteric stones during pregnancy.