The first clinical application of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was reported by Chaussy et al in 1980,<sup>8 Chaussy C., Brendel W., Schmiedt E. Extracorporeally induced destruction of kidney stones by shock waves Lancet 1980 ;  ii : 1265-1268  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> and during the ensuing two decades the urologic management of nephrolithiasis has undergone a complete revolution. With the nearly simultaneous development of percutaneous and ureteroscopic techniques, open stone surgery, once a mainstay of treatment, rarely is indicated today.<sup>22 Paik M.L., Wainstein M.A., Spirnak J.P. , e al. Current indications for open stone surgery in the treatment of renal and ureteral calculi J Urol 1998 ;  159 : 374-379  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> In this article, the authors relate the history of the development of ESWL, discuss the basic technical components of ESWL, compare the various lithotripters currently in use, and explore the future of ESWL.