The use of risk indices: do they predict recurrence? Yes, they (at least some) do.

A suitable and advisedly used risk index is an effective tool for improving prevention, therapy monitoring and classification of almost unmanageable amounts of analysis data and diagnoses. In contrast to statistically founded indices, causality-based risk indices can provide a fundamental insight into the mechanisms of the underlying pathology. However, understanding of stone formation as the result of many linked and often non-linear individual processes must be further improved. Only in this way can risk indices be optimized or better ones be developed. We are confident that, with consistent research efforts, science will be able to predict recurrence of stone formation more accurately within the next couple of years.