[The stone disease].
OBJECTIVE
In this paper we describe the history of lithiasis and the development of its treatment. We discuss the steps that led to the birth of endoscopic surgery and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.


METHODS
We reviewed books and writings of History of Urology and Endourology.


CONCLUSIONS
To know a little of the history and treatment of lithiasis, the contributions of Spanish urologists, as well as the instruments that made it possible.
Gonzalo Rodríguez
Victoria
V
Servicio de Urología, Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos, España. victoriaCGR@hotmail.com
Pérez Albacete
Mariano
M
Pérez-Castro Ellendt
Enrique
E
D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D052878:Urolithiasis / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy