[Urinary calculi; the advice of the Health Council]

The recently published advice of the Health Council of The Netherlands concerning urolithiasis can be divided in three chapters i.e. treatment, research and recent developments. The treatment with extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is considered the treatment of choice in 95% of patients with urolithiasis. The shockwave treatment has to be performed in centres with specialized know-how and facilities for basic and clinical research. The estimated number of extracorporeal shockwave lithotriptors in The Netherlands necessary for treatment of ca. 5400 patients per year with renal stones who are the most likely candidates for lithotripsy is at six. To prevent recurrent stone-forming in most patients metaphylactic therapy is indicated as well. At the moment lithotripsy of gallstones and treatment of kidney stones by means of lasers are in an experimental stage.