Calcification and calculus formation in the upper urinary tract.

Abstract

SUMMARY Stones in the kidney are divided into primary and secondary. A series of 152 consecutive partial nephrectomies performed in infected and non‐infected cases for the treatment of calyceal stones (primary) is described with a recurrence rate of 7.9 per cent. over a period of sixteen years. The lymphatic theory of stone formation (Carr) has been helpful in explaining the cause of recurrent primary stone. A “stone‐forming” segment must be removed if recurrence of primary stone is to be prevented. In the treatment of secondary stones, elimination of residual urine in the kidney is necessary if recurrence is to be avoided. The surgeon, when dealing with these cases, is dependent upon radiographs of the highest quality. The surgeon and radiologist must work as a unit.