[Conservative treatment of staghorn calculi]

On the basis of the examination of 24 patients with unilateral or bilateral staghorn calculus, who could not be operated for internal reasons, is reported on the course of the lithiasis. The observation time is between 2 and 9 years. In all patients an infection of the urinary tract was present. During the observation time in no patient a growth of the calculi could be stated. 6 patients who died of the lithiasis and uraemia already when the diagnosis was made had a functionless kidney greatly restricted global renal function. In the living patients no progression or exacerbation of the infection was revealed. The suggestion that a staghorn calculus necessarily leads to the loss of the renal function cannot be confirmed on the basis of the literature and the own results. Though there is no doubt about the advantage of the operation, in an increased risk an expectant attitude with conservative therapy seems to be justified. An infection of the urinary tract cannot be treated conservatively.