Post-surgical deterioration of renal function in primary hyperoxaluria.

Primary hyperoxaluria leading to calcium oxalate urinary stones and renal deposits occurs rarely in adults. We report three cases in whom end-stage renal failure was precipitated by urological surgery. In contrast, in one case renal stones were destroyed by extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and renal function was not significantly altered. This emphasises the need for early diagnosis. This may not be easy in adult patients: urolithiasis may not be severe, radiological nephrocalcinosis may be lacking, and renal failure may develop late in life.