Recurrence after a single renal stone in a community practice.

The natural history of recurrence of kidney stones was studied in a community urology practice, in which treatment with agents such as thiazide, allopurinol or oral phosphate has not been consistent or widespread. Using life-table analysis, the mean interval to first recurrence was 8.8 +/- 1.2 years and was not influenced by gender, age at first occurrence, or family history of stones. The tempo of recurrence justifies an individual approach to evaluation and treatment.