[Recurrence prevention of urolithiasis with respect to economic aspects]

Recurrence prevention in urinary stone disease not only makes good medical but also economic sense. Up to 40% of recurrences can be prevented by a rational urinary stone metaphylaxis whereby not only treatment costs but also the cost of lost productive work time can be saved. Detailed knowledge of stone composition and medical history of the patient is a prerequisite for a rational metaphylaxis which according to the S2 guidelines results in assignment to the high or low risk group. The required diagnostic and therapeutic measures are also decided by this classification. In addition to general metaphylaxis (reduction of overweight, physical activity, appropriate fluid intake, balanced diet) further specific measures may be necessary depending on the risk group and stone type.