Ureteral Drainage with Double-J Catheters in Obstructive Uropathy during Pregnancy

Acute dilatation of the upper urinary tract during pregnancy is a common cause of renal colics and urinary tract infections, leading, rarely, to renal insufficiency. We describe 3 cases with symptomatic hydronephrosis at 28 weeks of gestation who underwent placement of an internal urinary drainage by so-called double-J ureteral stents which rapidly reduced obstruction and symptoms and allowed pregnancies to continue to term. We conclude that double-J ureteral stenting is an effective, simple, safe, and economical method to treat acute hydronephrosis during pregnancy.