Organisation of a uro-nephrological “stone-center”

Abstract

New therapeutic possibilities, recent etiopathogenetic knowledge and problems connected with complex calculosis necessitate a multi-discipline approach to urolithiasic patients; the importance of close constant teamwork between urologists and nephrologists is underlined. Operative methods for such teamwork are illustrated, as well as a computerised chart of management and data processing. A uro-nephrological study of over 1000 patients, who underwent various treatments (ESWL, percutaneous surgery, endoscopy, open surgery), has revealed different endocrine-metabolic anomalies (primitive hyperparathyroidism, hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hyperuricuria, etc.). This teamwork was also important for etiopathogenetic findings and for collecting and processing data (also helped by computisation); waiting times were reduced with undoubted social economic benefits.