Comparison of percutaneous nephrostomy and double J stent in symptomatic pregnancy hydronephrosis treatment

Background/aim: We aimed to compare the success rate of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and double J stenting (DJS) in the treatment of symptomatic pregnancy hydronephrosis. Materials and methods: Diagnosis and grading of hydronephrosis were performed by urinary ultrasound (USG) and Doppler mode was used for evaluation of renal arterial resistivity index (RI). Patients were divided into two groups according to the method used for the treatment of hydronephrosis: group A (PCN, n = 38) and group B (DJS, n = 46). A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The number of patients requiring second intervention was higher in group B (P = 0.0018) and time to secondary intervention was significantly earlier in group B also (P = 0.0025). The number of tertiary intervention was again higher in group B (5/16 vs. 1/6) and the need for tertiary intervention was higher in patients who underwent DJS implantation as a secondary intervention than those who underwent PCN (5/11 vs. 1/11, P = 0.0012). The time to tertiary intervention was longer in patients with PCN than in those with DJS (P = 0.0048). Conclusion: PCN may be preferred to DJS in symptomatic pregnancy hydronephrosis because it requires fewer re-interventions after longer times.