Obstetric complications of ureteroscopy during pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: During pregnancy a ureteral stone and its management may pose risks for the mother and fetus. Definitive ureteroscopic management of an obstructing stone during pregnancy has been increasingly used without a reported increased incidence of urological complications. However, the rate of obstetric complications of ureteroscopy during pregnancy remains undefined.

Materials and methods: Charts of pregnant women who had undergone ureteroscopy at 5 tertiary centers were reviewed. Patient and procedure characteristics were collected. Records were evaluated for the occurrence of obstetric complications in the postoperative period.

Results: A total of 46 procedures were performed in 45 patients at 5 institutions. There were 2 obstetric complications (4.3%), including 1 preterm labor managed conservatively and 1 preterm labor resulting in preterm delivery. There was no fetal loss. No statistically significant characteristics were identified differentiating those patients having obstetric complications.

Conclusions: Ureteroscopy performed during pregnancy has been previously reported to be urologically safe and effective for addressing ureteral stones. In our multi-institutional series a 4% rate of obstetric complications was observed. Based on this risk a multidisciplinary approach is prudent for the pregnant patient undergoing ureteroscopy.