The urological endoscope market has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments within the global urological device industry. With a projected average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 13% through 2031, the market is poised to more than double in size over the next six years, led by the market for single-use endoscopes.
This article draws on key trends and insights from the Urological Endoscope chapter of our recently published Global Urological Device Market Report.
Understanding the Urological Endoscopy Landscape
Lower infection risks and faster patient recovery times have driven preferences for minimally invasive surgeries among both patients and physicians. As a result, endoscopes have been increasingly prevalent in operating rooms as a minimally invasive method of examining the inside of the body and performing procedures.
The market for urological endoscopes can be roughly segmented into four primary categories, based on the organs they are designed to examine and perform procedures on:
- Cystoscopes: Used for visualizing the bladder, prostate, and urethra, cystoscopes are essential tools for diagnosing conditions like bladder cancer and prostate enlargement. They are also used in conjunction with small surgical instruments to remove stones and growths or take tissue biopsies.
- Ureteroscopes: Inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, ureteroscopes are primarily used for stone removal procedures and to examine the ureteral lumen.
- Resectoscopes: These devices are used for tissue resection, most commonly in Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) procedures, but also for removing lesions or abnormal growths in the bladder, prostate, and urethra.
- Nephoscopes: Inserted percutaneously through a small incision in the patient’s back into the renal pelvis or proximal part of the ureter. These endoscopes are used to locate, examine, and remove kidney stones or fragments.
Market Growth Drivers
The global cystoscope market has experienced rapid growth in recent years driven largely by an explosion in the use of single-use cystoscopes which are projected to see a fivefold increase in market size from 2024 to 2031. The ureteroscope market is following a similar trend with strong growth in its single-use market.
Following Boston Scientifics release of the LithoVue™ in 2016, major market players have introduced their own single-use endoscopes like Ambu’s aScope™ 4, Karl Storz’s CMOS Video line, and Olympus’ H-SteriScope™.
Utilization of these single-use endoscopes allows hospitals and clinics to forgo the costly cleaning and sterilization of reusable endoscopes. This lowers the risk of cross-contamination or infection. Additionally, single-use endoscopes can be made to be more flexible than their reusable alternatives; Allowing them to reach parts of the body that rigid endoscopes cannot, making them the preferred tool for many physicians.
The broad market implications are characterized by two key trends: a dramatic surge in unit sales volume coupled with declining average sales prices as cheaper single-use devices rapidly gain market share. Looking ahead, these trends are expected to maintain their trajectory, albeit at a more sustainable pace than the dramatic shifts of recent years. Overall market growth is driven by the rise in unit sales vastly outpacing the drop in average sales price.
Conclusion
The rise of single-use endoscopes has significantly revolutionized the urological device market, but it is just one factor contributing to the broader growth of this industry. With additional emerging trends and innovations on the horizon, companies must stay informed and leverage reliable, actionable market intelligence to stay competitive.
For more detailed insights into market drivers, growth projections, and strategic opportunities, explore our Global Urological Endoscope Market Report. Packed with detailed data and expert analysis, it’s an essential tool for companies looking to navigate and stay ahead in this rapidly expanding market.
