Chemolysis of uric acid stones.

This paper illustrates one of the more satisfying aspects of the treatment of urinary calculous disease. A small series of 8 patients is presented to emphasize the possibility of dissolving uric acid stones by conservative measures thereby saving the patients extensive and often destructive surgical procedures. Patient selection is important for successful therapy. The stone must not be calcified and there must be sufficient function in the kidney. The regime consists of allopurinol 100 mg and sodium bicarbonate 2 to 4 grams given orally three times a day. Treatment period lasted up to six months, with dissolution of stones.