The overall probability of forming stones differs in various parts of the world: 1-5% in Asia, 5-
9% in Europe, 13% in North America, 20% in Saudi Arabia. The composition of stones and
their location in the urinary tract, bladder or kidneys may also significantly differ in different
countries. Moreover, in the same region, the clinical and metabolic patterns of stone disease
can change over time. We examined some epidemiological evidence about the main risk
factors for stone formation, both individual and environmental. A slightly higher rate of renal …