Surgical Stapler Market

Market Overview

The global surgical stapler market size was valued at USD 4.28 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 6.78 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.25% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In recent years, the adoption of unhealthy and sluggish lifestyles has led to an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases like CVD, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer, which is estimated to drive the demand for surgical interventions, thereby propelling the surgical stapler market. Moreover, technological advancements in the surgical stapler are estimated to create opportunities for market growth.

Highlight

• Orthopedic surgery dominates the application segment
• North America is estimated to be the largest shareholder in the market

Market Overview

A surgical stapler is a medical instrument used to close wounds or surgical incisions quickly and securely during various procedures. It works by placing and deploying metal staples or specialized clips to hold tissue together, similar to stitches but more efficient and consistent. Surgical staplers come in various types, including manual, powered, and robotic, each offering different levels of precision and automation. They are preferred for their speed, reducing operating time and minimizing tissue trauma, leading to faster patient recovery. They are also less prone to causing infections compared to traditional sutures. Surgical staplers are commonly used in various surgical specialties, including gastrointestinal, thoracic, and gynecological surgeries, and are indispensable tools for modern surgical practice.

Market Dynamics

Global Surgical Stapler Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The escalating incidence of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer, is a significant driver propelling the growth of the surgical stapler market. According to the WHO, chronic diseases cause the deaths of 41 million people per year, making up around 74% of all fatalities worldwide. Cardiovascular illnesses are responsible for the majority of deaths caused by chronic diseases, with a staggering annual toll of 17.9 million people. This is followed by cancer, which claims the lives of 9.3 million individuals each year. 

As the global burden of these chronic conditions continues to increase, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for surgical interventions aimed at managing or treating these diseases. Surgical staplers play a crucial role in various procedures, such as bariatric surgery for obesity management, bowel resection for gastrointestinal disorders, and tumor resection for cancer treatment. With the prevalence of chronic diseases projected to surge in the coming years, the demand for surgical staplers is expected to escalate, driving market growth.

Global Surgical Stapler Market Restraint

High Cost of Surgical Stapler Devices

One significant restraint in the surgical stapler market is the high cost associated with acquiring and maintaining surgical stapler devices. The initial investment required for purchasing surgical stapler systems, especially advanced models with technological innovations, poses a considerable financial burden on healthcare facilities. Further, the cost of specialized training for healthcare professionals to properly use these devices adds to the overall expenditure.

Moreover, the maintenance and servicing of surgical staplers entail ongoing costs, including replacement parts and calibration, which can escalate over time. The high cost of surgical stapler devices particularly impacts healthcare systems in emerging economies where budget constraints limit the adoption of expensive medical technologies. This disparity in access to advanced surgical stapler systems between developed and developing regions exacerbates healthcare inequalities and impedes the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Global Surgical Stapler Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements 

Ongoing technological advancements in surgical stapler design, such as developing robotic-assisted stapling systems and disposable stapler devices, present lucrative opportunities for market players. For instance, in June 2021, Intuitive India, the Indian division of Intuitive, a worldwide technological leader in minimally invasive healthcare and the innovator of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), introduced a robotic-assisted surgical stapler named SureForm. This stapler is equipped with SmartFire technology, which includes integrated software. SmartFire utilizes a high frequency of over 1,000 measurements per second to automatically fine-tune the firing process during the formation of staplers and the cutting of tissues. This helps to optimize a uniform staple line and prevent tissue damage, regardless of the thickness of the tissue being operated on. These innovations aim to enhance procedural efficiency, reduce operative time, and minimize the risk of complications, thereby expanding the market potential.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global surgical stapler market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global surgical stapler market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. North America dominates the surgical stapler market, led by the United States. The market is growing due to growing surgery volumes, a well-established healthcare infrastructure, and a high acceptance rate of sophisticated surgical technologies. Similarly, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases are the primary cause of mortality and disability in the United States. This is further estimated to boost the demand for surgical staplers in the region. Moreover, key regional market players like Medtronic, Ethicon, and B. Braun Melsungen AG further strengthen the market position. The region's focus on innovation and patient-centric care drives continuous advancements in surgical stapler technology, ensuring superior clinical outcomes.

For instance, in June 2022, Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson MedTech division, introduced the ECHELON 3000 Stapler in the United States. This advanced device is digitally equipped and offers surgeons a convenient one-handed powered articulation feature to effectively cater to the specific requirements of their patients. The ECHELON 3000 is engineered with a jaw aperture that is 39% larger and an articulation span that is 27% wider. This design allows surgeons improved access and control during each transection, especially in confined areas and while dealing with difficult tissue. These qualities, when paired with software that offers immediate haptic and audio device input, empower surgeons to make crucial modifications during surgeries. Thus, the factors above are expected to fuel the regional market expansion.

The Asia-Pacific region presents substantial growth opportunities for the surgical stapler market, driven by several factors. Rapid economic development, increasing healthcare expenditure, and expanding access to healthcare services are key contributors to market growth in the region. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are witnessing a surge in surgical procedures fueled by demographic trends such as population aging and urbanization. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses, coupled with lifestyle changes, necessitates a greater demand for surgical interventions, thereby boosting the adoption of surgical staplers. Based on a publication in PubMed, it is estimated that around 21% of the elderly population in India suffers from at least one chronic condition. Hypertension and diabetes together account for approximately 68% of all chronic illnesses. Consequently, all these factors are estimated to augment the market growth in this region.

Segmental Analysis

The global surgical stapler market is segmented by product, usability, application, and end-user.

Based on product, the global surgical stapler market is segmented into manual and powered surgical staplers. 

Manual staplers constitute a significant segment of the surgical stapler market, offering surgeons precise control and tactile feedback during surgical procedures. The surgeon manually operates these staplers, providing flexibility and adaptability across various surgical specialties and tissue types. Manual staplers are available in various configurations, including linear and circular ones, to accommodate different procedural requirements. They are commonly used in gastrointestinal, thoracic, and gynecological surgeries, facilitating efficient tissue approximation and securing anastomosis. Despite the advent of powered and disposable staplers, manual staplers remain preferred in certain surgical scenarios where the surgeon's experience and skill are paramount. The cost-effectiveness and familiarity associated with manual staplers make them indispensable instruments in the surgical armamentarium, ensuring optimal patient outcomes with reliable performance.

Based on usability, the global surgical stapler market is divided into disposable and reusable surgical staplers. 

The disposable staplers segment within the surgical stapler market is witnessing significant growth driven by their convenience, infection control, and cost-effectiveness advantages. Disposable staplers are designed for single-use applications, eliminating the need for reprocessing and sterilization and reducing the chance of cross-contamination and surgical site infections. These staplers are particularly favored in settings where infection control protocols are stringent, such as hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. Moreover, the one-time use nature of disposable staplers eliminates the need for capital investment in sterilization equipment and streamlines the surgical workflow. With increasing emphasis on patient safety, healthcare facilities are increasingly adopting disposable staplers for various surgical procedures, thereby contributing to the growth of this segment in the surgical stapler market.

Based on application, the global surgical stapler market is bifurcated into abdominal surgery, obstetrics and gynecological surgeries, cardiac and thoracic surgeries, orthopedic surgery, and other surgical applications. 

The orthopedic surgery segment dominates the market. Surgical staplers play a crucial role in orthopedic surgery, particularly in bone fixation and soft tissue management procedures. In orthopedic surgeries such as fracture repair, joint reconstruction, and spinal fusion, surgical staplers are utilized to secure incision closures, attach soft tissues to bone, and reinforce surgical constructs. They offer advantages such as rapid deployment, uniform staple formation, and reduced risk of post-operative complications like wound dehiscence and infection. Moreover, surgical staplers enable precise tissue approximation and compression, facilitating optimal healing and functional outcomes for patients undergoing orthopedic interventions. Surgical staplers in orthopedic surgery enhance procedural efficiency, minimize operative time, and improve patient satisfaction and recovery.

Based on end-users, the global surgical stapler market is bifurcated into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), clinics, and others.

Hospitals represent a significant segment of the surgical stapler market, accounting for a substantial portion of the market revenue. The demand for surgical staplers in hospitals is propelled by several factors, including the high volume of surgical procedures conducted in hospital settings, ranging from routine surgeries to complex interventions. Hospitals prioritize the adoption of advanced medical devices, such as surgical staplers, to enhance surgical outcomes, minimize complications, and improve patient satisfaction. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases requiring surgical interventions further drives the need for surgical staplers in hospitals. With a focus on giving quality care and optimizing clinical workflows, hospitals invest in state-of-the-art surgical technologies, including powered and disposable staplers, to meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare providers.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- Carlyle Group Inc, a private equity firm, initiated exclusive discussions about acquiring a controlling interest in two medical device companies owned by Medtronic Plc. The proposed acquisition is valued at over USD 7 billion.
• February 2024- HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital reported completing a significant surgical procedure utilizing a cutting-edge surgical stapler incorporating staple line reinforcement with bioabsorbable technology. The surgical stapler improves surgical accuracy, produces ideal sleeve anatomy, and leads to more uniform and symmetrical patient results.