The main principles of idiopathic calcium oxalate stone prevention are to maintain dilute urine through increasing fluid intake and to reduce calcium and oxalate excretion. The influence of various urinary factors on the risk of stone formation has been quantified mathematically. Urine volume and urinary oxalate concentration are most influential on the risk of stone formation, while magnesium concentration contributes a small amount to risk. It is estimated that around 50% of stone formers will form another stone within five years. Some stone formers have frequent recurrences. Most stone formers ask how they can prevent future episodes. Advice can be generic or personalized, and treatment may include changes to diet, fluid intake, and addition of drugs to alter urine biochemistry.
