OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the EDAP LT 02 lithotripter for the in situ treatment of ureteric calculi. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients presenting with ureteric calculi were treated with in situ piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) using the EDAP LT 02 lithotripter. There were 49 patients with upper, nine with mid and 42 with lower ureteric stones. The largest diameter of the stones varied from 7 to 21 mm (mean 9.6 mm). Mild or severe hydronephrosis was present in 53 cases. Mid and lower ureteric stones were treated with the patients in the prone position, with no anaesthesia or pre-medication, and upper ureteric stones in the supine position, with intravenous sedation in 44 cases. RESULTS Localization of the stones was easy in 81 cases and more difficult in 19, but an intravenous pyelogram was only necessary in three cases. The number of sessions per patient varied from 1 to 3 (mean 1.17). Complete success rate was achieved in 75% of patients and partial success (residual stones < or = 3 mm) in 6%. The stone-free rate was statistically affected by stone size but was independent of stone localization or the degree of obstruction. The rate of infective and obstructive complications was 14% and auxiliary treatments were necessary in 5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS In situ piezoelectric ESWL with the EDAP LT 02 device is a convenient and efficient method for the treatment of ureteric stones.