Double-J Ureteral Stenting for Symptomatic Hydronephrosis in Pregnancy Despite Mild Imaging Findings: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Symptomatic hydronephrosis during pregnancy presents a challenging clinical dilemma as management must balance maternal symptom control with fetal safety while avoiding ionizing radiation and unnecessary surgical intervention. We report the case of a 21-year-old primigravida at 27 1/7 weeks of gestation, who presented with severe bilateral flank pain, despite sonography showing only bilateral grade 2 hydronephrosis. Conservative management, including hydration, antibiotics, and analgesics, was initiated; however, her symptoms progressively worsened. Following multidisciplinary consultation, diagnostic ureteroscopy with bilateral double-J ureteral stent placement was performed. The patient experienced rapid pain relief after stent placement, and the pregnancy progressed uneventfully to term delivery. This case highlights that clinical severity, rather than imaging prediction, should guide escalation to intervention in pregnancy-associated hydronephrosis. Clinical severity, infection status, and obstetric context should guide intervention decisions when conservative management fails.
Source: Journal of Medical Sciences
Authors: Wei-Chih Chen, Kuo-Min Su, Chen-Yu Wang
Institutions: Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7159766421