Holmium and thulium fiber lasers show equivalent stone-free rates in RCT for kidney stone dusting
RCT · J Urol · 2026-09-26. Number 3 in the UrologyWatch Top 5 for September 26, 2026.
A 5-center US randomized trial of 178 patients found no significant difference in stone-free rates (about 53% for each), procedure time, or complications between pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG and Thulium Fiber Laser during retrograde intrarenal surgery for stones up to 20 mm.
Why it matters: Provides high-level evidence that laser choice for retrograde intrarenal surgery can be based on surgeon or institutional preference rather than presumed superiority.
Source: J Urol
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