Metabolic evaluation and therapy

The recurrent formation of stones in the urinary tract is a well-recognized clinical problem. Unfortunately, progress in the medical care of these patients has not paralleled that of the surgical care. There are, however, several steps that can be taken to reduce the recurrence rate. In this regard it is desirable to identify patients at risk and to find risk factors that need to be eliminated. The extent of biochemical evaluation and the form of stone preventive treatment in patients with calcium stone formation is presently a matter of debate. This review focuses on some current aspects on the analysis of risk factors for calcium stone formation. The present situation on recurrence prevention using dietary and pharmacological measures is also summarized.