[Evaluation and treatment of patients with kidney calculi]

Renal stone disease is a common disorder causing much discomfort and high rates of sick-leave. Surgical treatment has improved dramatically with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, but the recurrence rate is high, and it would be desirable to be able to offer the patients effective steps in prevention of further stone formation. The biochemical abnormalities associated with stone formation are complex and not fully elucidated. It should, however, be possible to reduce the recurrence rate with a relatively simple programme for investigation of the patients. The pathogenesis of renal stones is, therefore, reviewed with reference to a plan for the practical approach to the prevention and management of nephrolithiasis, that has recently been recommended by The National Kidney Foundation, USA.