Identifying high-risk stone formers: How can we improve early diagnosis and referral?

The episode opens with the speakers sharing their clinical backgrounds - Prof. Ferraro as a nephrologist and Prof. Emiliani as an endourologist - laying the foundation for a multidisciplinary exchange. They reflect on challenges currently faced in clinical practice, including the delayed identification of patients who are predisposed to rapid stone formation, complex surgical pathways, or long-term renal complications.

Prof. Somani introduces the concept of the SMART Stone MDT and its potential to streamline patient care by enabling earlier recognition and appropriate referral. The discussion highlights the benefits of a structured, team-based model that incorporates both surgical and nephrology perspectives, aiming to reduce complications and improve outcomes.

Practical examples and real-world insights are shared throughout the episode, illustrating how MDTs can be integrated into everyday workflows. The conversation underlines the importance of collaboration, early intervention, and tailored patient pathways for high-risk stone formers, including those with primary hyperoxaluria or a solitary kidney.

This episode offers valuable takeaways for clinicians seeking to improve kidney stone care through early diagnosis and coordinated referral pathways.

Acknowledgment - Medical writing support was provided by Health Unlimited with unrestricted funding from Novo Nordisk, with no involvement in the programme or speaker selection.

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