Dissolution of uric acid calculi with systemic alkalization.

We treated 14 patients with uric acid calculi in the renal pelvis and calices (10) or ureter (4) with constant intravenous infusion of a one-sixth molar lactate solution. Dissolution was successful in all but 2 cases. The success of therapy is believed to be related to the sustained urinary alkalization obtained with intravenous infusion compared to the intermittent alkalization that occurs when oral agents are used.