Xingwei Jin

and 6 more

Objectives To investigate the outcomes of internal ureteral stent versus ureteroscopy for pregnant women with urolithiasis. Data Sources Relevant studies published from January 1980 to April 2020 were identified through a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Study Eligibility Criteria Total of 453 studies were initially identified. Pregnant women in any pregnancy stages who underwent D-J stent insertion only or ureteroscopy operation were included. The number of related participants in each group of study should be more than 10. This systematic review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020195607). Results A total of 25 studies were identified with 131 cases serial stenting and 789 cases URS. The pooled operation success rate was 97% for D-J stent insertion, and 99% for URS. For internal ureteral stent therapy, normal fertility outcome rate was 99%, but the pooled incidence of complications was about 45%. For the URS group, normal fertility outcome rate was 99%, and the pooled incidence of complications was about 1%. However, the pooled premature and abortion incidence rate of two groups were the same as less than 1%, and same in serious complication incidence rate. Conclusions Although internal ureteral stent may cause more slight complications, ureteroscopy operation and internal ureteral stent showed less side effective on fertility results. Evidence suggests that URS therapy have greater advantage for pregnancy with urinary stones when the condition permits. As it is proved safe and effective, internal ureteral stent could be considered at emergency or other special situations.