The management of the patient with calcium stones

Results of investigation of 800 patients with renal calculi are presented. The high incidence of medullary sponge kidneys (tubular ectasia) in patients of either sex is stressed as is the low incidence of idiopathic hypercalciuria in the female. Hydrochlorothiazide has been found to be highly effective in preventing recurrence of calcium stones in our personal experience with over 300 patients who have been treated for as long as 14 years with this agent. The efficacy and mode of action of other measures advocated for stone prevention is reviewed.