Laser stone fragmentation uses concentrated laser energy to break urinary stones into much smaller pieces. The laser fiber is usually delivered through a thin endoscopic instrument positioned next to the stone inside the ureter, kidney, or bladder. Short pulses of energy are directed at the stone, allowing the urologist to gradually fragment or 'dust' it while limiting injury to surrounding tissue. Depending on the size and location of the fragments, pieces may be removed with small instruments or allowed to pass naturally in the urine. Laser fragmentation is often one component of a broader procedure such as ureteroscopy or cystolitholapaxy.