frequency of surgical procedures for stone removal is
less than 1% in Germany. The administration of an
anaesthetic was perhaps often assumed to be an operation.
Moreover, it may be assumed that ‘‘no treatment’’
implies a ‘‘spontaneous’’ discharges of the stone, i.e.
over 40% of the stones were passed spontaneously.
This discrepancy indicates that no matter how
sophisticated the question technique may be, no precise
replies can be expected from the medical laity.
Amongst the prophylactic precautions adopted to
prevent recurrences, 89% of the patients gave a high
fluid intake (drinking) and 37% a change in diet. Only
9% took any regular medication as stone prophylaxis
(Table 6).
In the year 2000, the largest number (49%) of stone
recurrences was found in the 50–64 year age group