Do you have patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis target a certain urine volume or rather consume fluids as needed for goal of having consistent clear urine?

I think you could go either way. To prevent most types of kidney stones, 2L/day seems to be the minimum urine volume required. For cystine stone formers, I double that amount. My more compulsive patients like having a quantitative goal. The amount of fluid intake roughly equals the urine volume, absent large stool or perspiration losses.

For less compulsive patients, I ask them to hydrate enough that their urine is minimally colorful.

In either scenario, this typically requires them to drink more than thirst requires. 

Stephen B. Erickson, MD