Nephrolithiasis Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention

Nephrolithiasis is the third most common diagnosis involving the urinary tract, exceeded only by urinary tract infections and prostate conditions. Uric acid nephrolithiasis accounts for 5-10 % of all kidney stones in the general population in the United States (US) and is noted to be increasing in other parts of the world like Japan, previously known to have a low incidence of this condition. This increase is attributable, at least in part, to westernised eating habits. Other factors which influence development of kidney stones include age, sex and ethnicity. This book discusses in further details, the risk factors, treatment options and ways to prevent nephrolithiasis.