Urinary stone disease has afflicted mankind for centuries and continues to be a significant medical ailment throughout the world. Contemporary management reflects the changes and evolution that have occurred in both medicine and, specifically, urology. Traditional open surgery has been nearly replaced by minimally invasive techniques, the result of technologic innovations, miniaturization of instruments, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Nevertheless, nephrolithiasis remains a chronic disease and our fundamental understanding of the pathogenesis, and molecular and genetic basis of stones as well as their prevention, remains rudimentary. All large calculi were once small calculi. Where do stones originate and what facilitates their retention, allowing them to grow? Although we rely on 24-hour urinary collections, clearly our current methods of directing medical therapy have limitations. In addition, interest in disease prevention continues to grow and understanding basic questions and the underlying pathophysiology of stone disease will help optimize management strategies. Future advances in urinary stone disease will be the result of collaboration among urologists, nephrologists, radiologists, dieticians, scientists, and partners in industry. Physicians must not be complacent with the current status quo or be overly eager to intervene because techniques are less invasive; rather, the goals should be a better understanding of the underlying disease process in order to identify those at risk, prophylax against stone development and recurrence, and improved nonsurgical therapies.
From the reviews:
"... an excellent academic review of up-to-date knowledge about stone disease." (L.M. Nyberg, New England Journal of Medicine, April 2008)
"The 694 pages of ‘Urinary stone disease’ do cover all aspects of the problem. ... For residents in urology the reading allows to get acquainted quickly and thoroughly to knowledge he will need to build on during his urological career." (A. Verbaeys, Acta Chirurgica Belgica, December, 2007)
"This book is involved in more than just the surgical management of stones ... . I found each chapter presented in a way that was rapidly accessible and complete, giving an up-to-date description of each condition that leads to stone formation and possible methods of medical management. I think that the editors are to be congratulated on presenting an excellent book, with an excellent list of authors, all experts in their respective fields. ... excellent book to established urologists as well as urologists-in-training." (John Fitzpatrick, British Journal of Urology International, Vol. 101, 2008)
