Recurrence of infected calculi following postoperative renal irrigation with stone solvent.

Renacidin has been shown to dissolve small fragments of infected renal calculi in vitro. 34 patients with infected calculi have undergone pyelolithotomy and postoperative renal irrigation with Renacidin. 30 patients were women and Proteus was the commonest infecting organism. Renal irrigation appears to be safe if closely monitored and covered by antibiotic therapy. 24.4% of calculi had recurred at a mean follow-up of 42 months. The rate of recurrence or unilateral calculi was much less than that of bilateral calculi (15% vs. 40%). Persistent postoperative urinary tract infections later led to recurrent stone formation.