The Preliminary experience of using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in the management of 23 cholecystectomized patients with recurrent common bile duct stones which could not be extracted by endoscopic lithotripsy is described, and its effectiveness in clinical application is discussed. Using a Siemens Lithostar Plus lithotriptor, fragmentation of the common bile duct stones was done without general anesthesia. In all cases, nasobiliary catheters were established before the procedure in order to allow access for radiographic localization during the procedure and ensure free drainage of infected bile. Fragmentation of the stones was successful in 17 patients (73.9%) by ESWL; and the extraction of the fragmented stones was done by endoscopic lithotripsy, ensuring quick clearance of the bile duct, to prevent recurrence of cholangitis. Failure of fragmentation of common bile duct stone by ESWL occurred in 4 patients (17.3%), who then received celitomy to remove the CBD stones. One patient refused to have further treatment after one session of shock wave treatment, and in one patient the stone was not localized by X-ray fluoroscopy. Morbidity was minimal, and no mortality occurred in our series. ESWL is a safe, effective and valuable adjuvant therapy with endoscopic lithotripsy in the management of patients with recurrent common bile duct stones.