Abstract
<jats:p>This chapter focuses on calcium‐based stones, as these make up the majority of kidney stones, although mention will also be made of uric acid and cystine stones. Nephrolithiasis refers to the presence of a stone in the kidney or ureter. Kidney stones form from microscopic crystals in the loop of Henle, distal tubules or the collecting duct. Kidney stones can be classified in terms of their composition: calcium stones, uric acid stones, and cystine stones. Calcium stones comprises of calcium oxalate stones that make up 80% and calcium phosphate stones that make up 20% of renal calculi. Cystinuria is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting the renal tubular reabsorption of cystine, arginine, lysine and ornithine. Nephrocalcinosis refers to the increased calcium crystal deposition within the renal cortex. There is emerging evidence that dietary patterns play an important role in the prevention of kidney stones.</jats:p>