Aim: Due to the potential risks of thermal effects during Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy, different techniques may vary in efficacy and safety. This study compares the stone fragmentation efficiency and temperature elevation associated with dusting and fragmentation techniques using the Ho:YAG laser in an experimental model.Material and Methods: Using an artificial renal calyx model, ten experimental tubes and phantom stones were prepared for each technique.
Energy settings were 0.5 J–20 Hz for the dusting technique and 1 J–10 Hz for the fragmentation technique. Temperature was measured every minute for five minutes, and stone weights were assessed.Results: The fragmentation technique resulted in significantly greater stone mass reduction from the first minute onward (p