Objective To investigate the appropriate treatment of infectious renal stones. Methods Between April 1999 and June 2006, 60 patients presented to our department with infectious renal stones. Twentynine patients were treated by extracorporeal shock-wave lithortripsy( ESWL ) only, 31 patients were given a combination therapy. Thirty-four males and 26 females were evaluated by routine urine tests including urine culture and sensitivity before ESWL treatments. The total number of shock waves varied from 1 600 to 2 800 and the energy levels ranged from 1 to 6 unit. Results The fragmentation after ESWL was 61.6%; 18. 3% after 2 ESWL sessions,8.3% after 3 ESWL sessions, 5.0% after 4 ESWL sessions, 3. 3% after 7 ESWL sessions and 1.66% after 9 ESWL sessions. Only one ( 1. 66% ) patient failed and changed to open surgery. Conclusion ESWL is an effective and reliable treatment for patients with infectious renal stones. However, better effects and shorter treatment time is obtained by the combination therapy of ESWL with other therapy options.