Renal Stones: To Dust or to Basket?

Nicole L. Miller, MD, FACS, discusses the pros and cons of dusting versus basketing renal stones. She evaluates cost, time, safety, and recurrence with both procedures. The benefits of dusting include decreased procedure time, decreased disposables, lower cost, and comparable complications. The benefits of fragmentation and basketing include obtaining stone composition, improved stone-free rates, clear benefits in specific populations, and versatility with laser machines. The goals of a successful stone surgery are maximum efficiency, being stone-free, safety, and lowest cost. Looking at the type of stone and the patient will determine which method is best to use.