Practical approach to metabolic evaluation and treatment of the recurrent stone patient.

Although significant progress has been made during the last 3 decades in the minimally invasive surgical management of stone disease, the medical prevention of urolithiasis still remains challenging as much less progress has been achieved during the same time period. The purpose of this article is to provide the practicing urologist with practical guidelines for the metabolic evaluation and management of the recurrent stone patient. The recommendations are based on the latest available information regarding the pathogenesis, medical treatment options, and decision-making rationale when managing these challenging patients.