METHODS: This prospective analysis included 704 adults from 21 centers undergoing FURS for kidney stone with FANS between August 2023 and August 2024. Patients were stratified by lasing strategy into dusting (n = 281) or popcorning (n = 423). Operative parameters, complications, and stone-free status (SFS) at 30 days-assessed by 2 mm slice non-contrast CT scan were compared. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of complete clearance (no fragment).
RESULTS: Patients in the popcorning group presented with larger and denser stones (> 2 cm: 20.7% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.007; median HU 1100 vs. 1051, p = 0.003). Operative times were consistently longer with popcorning, including lasing (17 vs. 14 min), ureteroscopy (34 vs. 30 min), and overall duration (50 vs. 44 min, all p