Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been widely introduced in the treatment of nephro-uretero-lithiasis during the last decade as it provides a noninvasive removal of the stones from the upper urinary tracts. The paper covers the history, techniques, indications, contraindications, anesthesia, complications and results of the method. Positive and negative characteristics of ESWL equipment (lithotriptors) are considered. The experience with 5000 lithotripsies led the authors to the conclusion that ESWL does not solve all the problems in the treatment of nephro-uretero-lithiasis and should be introduced only in large clinics practicing actively x-ray endoscopy and equipped with modern endoscopic and ultrasonic urologic units.