1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Aims and scope
The European Association of Urology (EAU) Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel has prepared these guidelines to help urologists assess evidence-based management of stones/calculi in the urinary tract and incorporate recommendations into clinical practice. This document covers most aspects of the disease, which is still a cause of significant morbidity despite technological and scientific advances. The Panel is aware of the geographical variations in healthcare provision. In addition, information on the management of bladder stones is now also included in these guidelines.
It must be emphasised that clinical guidelines present the best evidence available to the experts but following guideline recommendations will not necessarily result in the best outcome. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients but rather help to focus decisions - also taking personal values and preferences/individual circumstances of patients into account. Guidelines are not mandates and do not purport to be a legal standard of care.
1.2. Panel composition
The EAU Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel consists of an international group of clinicians with expertise in this area. All experts involved in the production of this document have submitted potential conflict of interest which can be viewed on the EAU website Uroweb: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis/panel.
1.3. Available publications
A quick reference document (Pocket guidelines) is available. This is an abridged version, which may require consultation together with the full-text versions. Several scientific publications are available [1-3]. All documents are accessible through the EAU website Uroweb: https://uroweb.org/guidelines/urolithiasis.
1.4. Publication history and summary of changes
1.4.1. Publication history
The EAU Guidelines on Urolithiasis were first published in 2000. Standard procedure for EAU Guidelines includes an annual assessment of newly published literature in the field to guide future updates. This 2024 Urolithiasis Guidelines present a limited update of the 2023 publication.
1.4.2. Summary of changes
The 2024 Urolithiasis Guidelines have undergone a major revision and restructuring of text, as well as a review of all recommendations.