Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy remains the basis of management of most stones of the urinary tract, particulary of the upper ureter and the kidney. However, a significant proportion of all urinary stones is treated best by endourologic procedures. For this purpose a wide range of devices for intracorporeal stone disintegration is currently available. Surgeons should know the specific features of these devices, their strengths and limitations, either to use their own instruments in an appropriate way, or, should they wish to purchase an alternative, to select the most suitable for their treatment intentions.