Global Ureteroscopy Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Ureteroscopy Market Overview

The global ureteroscopy market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.15% during the forecast period. The major factors driving the growth of the market are the increasing prevalence of urolithiasis (kidney stones), the rising demand for minimally invasive procedures, the technological advancements in ureteroscopes and accessories, and the favorable reimbursement policies in developed countries.

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a thin, flexible endoscope into the urinary tract to diagnose and treat various conditions, such as kidney stones, tumors, strictures, and infections. Ureteroscopy can be performed with or without the use of laser or other energy sources to fragment or ablate the lesions. Ureteroscopy is preferred over other methods, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), due to its higher success rate, lower complication rate, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery time.

Global Ureteroscopy Market Drivers and Constraints

• The increasing prevalence of urolithiasis (kidney stones) is one of the major drivers of the global ureteroscopy market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), urolithiasis affects about 12% of the global population, with the highest incidence in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Urolithiasis can cause severe pain, urinary obstruction, infection, and kidney damage, and may require surgical intervention. Ureteroscopy is the most effective and preferred treatment option for kidney stones, especially for stones larger than 10 mm, located in the lower or middle ureter, or resistant to ESWL or PCNL.
• The rising demand for minimally invasive procedures is another key driver of the global ureteroscopy market. Minimally invasive procedures offer several benefits over open surgery, such as less blood loss, less pain, less scarring, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and lower risk of complications. Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia, and does not require any incision or sutures. Ureteroscopy also has a higher success rate and lower recurrence rate than ESWL or PCNL, and can treat a wider range of conditions, such as tumors, strictures, and infections, in addition to kidney stones.
• The technological advancements in ureteroscopes and accessories are also driving the growth of the global ureteroscopy market. The modern ureteroscopes are more flexible, durable, and maneuverable than the traditional rigid or semi-rigid ones, and can access the entire urinary tract with ease. The modern ureteroscopes also have improved visualization, irrigation, and working channels, and can be integrated with various energy sources, such as laser, ultrasound, or electrohydraulic, to fragment or ablate the lesions. The accessories, such as guidewires, baskets, stents, and catheters, are also becoming more sophisticated, biocompatible, and disposable, to enhance the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
• The favorable reimbursement policies in developed countries are also supporting the growth of the global ureteroscopy market. In countries, such as the US, Canada, Germany, France, and the UK, ureteroscopy is covered by public or private health insurance plans, and the patients have to pay little or no out-of-pocket expenses. The reimbursement policies also encourage the adoption of advanced ureteroscopy devices and accessories, as they reduce the overall cost of the procedure for the providers and the patients.
• However, the high cost of ureteroscopy devices is one of the major constraints of the global ureteroscopy market. The ureteroscopes and accessories are expensive, and require regular maintenance and replacement. The cost of the procedure varies depending on the type and location of the lesion, the duration and complexity of the procedure, the type and amount of anesthesia, and the hospital and physician fees. The cost of ureteroscopy can be prohibitive for the patients and providers in developing and underdeveloped countries, where the health care infrastructure and spending are limited.
• The lack of skilled urologists is another constraint of the global ureteroscopy market. Ureteroscopy is a technically challenging and demanding procedure, that requires a high level of expertise and experience. The urologists have to be proficient in the use of ureteroscopes and accessories, and have to be familiar with the anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract, the types and characteristics of the lesions, and the potential complications and management of the procedure. The urologists also have to be updated with the latest technologies and techniques in ureteroscopy, and have to undergo regular training and certification. However, there is a shortage of qualified and trained urologists in many regions, especially in rural and remote areas, where the access to health care services and education is limited.
• The risk of infection and ureteral injury associated with ureteroscopy is also a constraint of the global ureteroscopy market. Ureteroscopy is an invasive procedure that involves the insertion of a foreign body into the urinary tract, which can introduce bacteria and cause infection. The infection can lead to fever, pain, inflammation, and sepsis, and may require antibiotic therapy or hospitalization. Ureteroscopy can also cause ureteral injury, such as perforation, avulsion, or stricture, due to the mechanical trauma, thermal damage, or excessive irrigation. The ureteral injury can cause bleeding, obstruction, hydronephrosis, and renal impairment, and may require surgical repair or stent placement.

Global Ureteroscopy Market Trends and Developments

• Emergence of digital and disposable ureteroscopes: Digital ureteroscopes provide better image quality, brightness, and color contrast. Disposable ureteroscopes eliminate the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance, and reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination.
• Increasing use of robotics and AI in ureteroscopy: Robotics and AI can assist urologists in performing ureteroscopy with more precision, accuracy, and efficiency. Robotics can provide a stable platform for the ureteroscope and accessories, while AI can provide real-time guidance and feedback to urologists.
• Increasing adoption of ureteroscopy in ambulatory surgical centers: ASCs can offer ureteroscopy as a day-care procedure, reducing hospitalization time, cost, and infection rate. ASCs can also provide more personalized and patient-centered care, and improve the accessibility and availability of ureteroscopy.

Global Ureteroscopy Market Segmentation

The global ureteroscopy market can be segmented by product type, application, end-user, and region.

Market Breakup by Product

• Flexible Ureteroscope
• Semi- Rigid Ureteroscope
• Rigid Ureteroscope

Market Breakup by Application

• Urolithiasis
• Kidney Cancer
• Urinary Stricture
• Others

Market Breakup by End User

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global Ureteroscopy Market: Competitive Landscape

The global ureteroscopy market is highly competitive and fragmented, with the presence of several local and global players, who compete on the basis of product quality, innovation, price, and distribution. The major players in the market are Medtronic, KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG, STERIS plc, Olympus Corporation, Advin Health Care, Cliniva Healthcare, Boston Scientific Corporation, Stryker Corporation, OTU Medical, Richard Wolf GmbH, Mexer Endoscopy, ProSurg, and Vimex Endoscopy.

These players have a strong presence and distribution network in the major regions, and offer a wide range of ureteroscopes and accessories, with different features, specifications, and prices. These players also invest heavily in research and development, innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their product portfolio, expand their market share, and gain a competitive edge.


This product will be delivered within 5-7 business days.