Epidural analgesia for the treatment of colic attack with retrocaval ureter in late pregnancy complicated with marginal placenta previa: a case report

BACKGROUND: Retrocaval ureter was diagnosed in a woman complaining of ureteric pain in the last trimester of pregnancy. We describe the rationale behind the administration of epidural analgesia for her colic attack. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized with a diagnosis of a marginal placenta previa at 34 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy. Her right ureter encircled the dorsal aspect of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and was compressed by a growing fetus, causing hydronephrosis. Her right lower back pain was exacerbated every day, till an epidural catheter was inserted. Her estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hematocrit worsened, and an elective cesarean section was performed. CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia only provided pain relief for a few days. When a pregnant woman presents with a retrocaval ureter and severe pain, short-term epidural analgesia should be considered after evaluating the complex medical condition and size of the fetus.