Urology Laser Market

Market Overview

The global urology laser market size was valued at USD 990.70 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 1,605.41 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.51% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Factors such as increasing prevalence of urological disorders and growing cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) drives the urology laser market demand by 2030.

Medical equipment called urological lasers is used to treat a number of urological conditions, such as non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urolithiasis. A laser melts away (vaporizes) excess prostate tissue and enlarges the urinary channel. For example, Prostate holmium laser ablation (HoLAP) is a safe and effective procedure for treating prostates <40 ml. Treatment for prostates that are mild to moderately enlarged typically involves this operation. Patients benefit from HoLAP because of a low bleeding rate and short hospital stay. In addition, the treatment of older patients with numerous comorbidities is safe thanks to lasers for prescribing urolithiasis, urinary strictures, and bladder tumors.

Market Dynamics

Urology Laser Market Market Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Urological Disorders

The disorders of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, are referred to as urological ailments. Urinary tract infections, prostate and bladder malignancies, hematuria, erectile dysfunction (ED), interstitial (also known as painful bladder syndrome), urolithiasis, hyperactive bladder, and prostatitis are a few of the significant urologic illnesses. The growing burden of these diseases is significantly impacting the increasing morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Urolithiasis is a frequent urologic condition that places a high cost on the world's healthcare system.

Additionally, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adults in the US is estimated by the US Department of Health and Human Services to be around 15%, and over half of those who have CKD also have diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More than 661,000 Americans experience renal failure yearly, necessitating dialysis for 468,000 people. In addition, urinary tract infections (UTIs) rank among the most prevalent microbiological illnesses that can afflict people of all ages. The growing prevalence of these disorders drives the global urology laser market over the forecast period.

Urology Laser Market Restraint

High Cost of Laser Systems

Although urology laser systems are one of the essential instruments used in urological procedures, the high cost of these systems is anticipated to be a significant restraint for the global urology laser market. Laser technology is both expensive and cumbersome. Additionally, the methods may become more expensive due to increased maintenance costs due to declining value. However, the technology used and how it is used determine the system's cost. For instance, one of the most cutting-edge laser systems used in urological procedures is the erbium YAG laser. It is employed in practically all applications and operates at a wavelength of roughly 2,940 nm. The alternate materials, including mid-infrared optical fiber, are expensive, and conventional silica fibers cannot be used in this laser. Further, hospitals are investing more money in more expensive laser system models with sophisticated technological developments (like optimized laser energy transmission) due to hospitals' evolving and updating infrastructure.

Urology Laser Market Opportunities

Growing Cases of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The medical disorder known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which causes the prostate gland to grow, is widespread in males. It is a benign prostate gland enlargement that results from unchecked prostate cell proliferation. Frequent urination, trouble starting the urine, a weak urinary system, and difficulty emptying the bladder are common symptoms of BPH. Most patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are senior, and as the geriatric population expands, the disease's burden rises, driving up demand for laser treatment in this market. Eastern and South-East Asia are anticipated to experience the most significant increase, roughly 312 million compared to any other region in the upcoming years. Additionally, the risk of bladder cancer is higher in the senior population, which is predicted to increase the global burden of the disease and spur market expansion.

Regional Analysis

The global urology laser market share is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant revenue contributor to the global market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period. Due to the rising prevalence of urological disorders like bladder cancer and urinary incontinence, as well as the preference for minimally invasive procedures due to their shorter recovery times and lower risk of complications, the United States is predicted to be the world's largest market for urology lasers. The growth of the urology laser market in the United States is aided by the emergence and implementation of novel technologies. The primary reason for the country's expanding healthcare industry is the nation's rising healthcare costs. Due to the rising prevalence of urological illnesses and the widespread use of cutting-edge technologies, the Canadian market is well established.

Canada invests heavily in the R&D of healthcare. For instance, the CO2RE laser, a fully integrated CO2 workstation, was licensed by Health Canada to treat adult women's stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). The Canadian Institute of Health Information calculated the overall cost of healthcare in Canada to be CAD 7,068 per person. In addition, the Canadian Continence Foundation estimates that more than 3.3 million people in Canada are affected by at least one form of urinary incontinence. Therefore, the factors above are anticipated to fuel market growth in the nation.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.61%, generating USD 409.09 million during the forecast period. The healthcare system in the United Kingdom is well-established, and foreign companies conduct business there. As a result, the urology laser market is expanding quickly. According to the London Clinic, BPH, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that is not malignant. In the UK, it is a prevalent disorder that affects about a third of men over 50. The London Clinic offers specialized care, including benign prostate enlargement laser treatments.

In Germany, Helios Hospital, St. Lukas Group, Heidelberg University Hospital, and Meoclinic are a few institutions performing urological procedures. Approximately 10,000 patients are treated annually at Munich-Planegg, one of Germany's top hospitals, and roughly 3,000 patients are admitted for inpatient care. To address urological and other soft-tissue-related disorders that benefit from minimally invasive surgery, LISA Laser Products OHG, a surgical designer of market-leading thulium and holmium lasers with a base in Germany, has been purchased by OmniGuide.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period. The rising prevalence of urological disorders and the country's well-established healthcare system are two primary drivers of China's urology laser market's growth. Additionally, China's healthcare system has a lot of potential because hospitals are increasingly implementing cutting-edge technology. The demand for medical systems and technologies like urology lasers is increasing quicker due to healthcare reforms and rising technical advances in China's healthcare sector.

The Indian healthcare system is improving as the country's GDP grows. The country's growing senior population increased acceptance of cutting-edge technology and growing awareness contributes to a growth in the demand for laser therapy. Given that healthcare spending as a share of GDP is expanding, the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) claims huge room for improving healthcare services. According to a 2018 research titled "Kidney Stone Disease: An Update on Current Concepts, " the prevalence and recurrence rates of kidney stone disease are rising." In India, roughly 12% of the population has urinary stones, and 50% may experience kidney function loss. The demand for laser therapy for treating diseases in the nation may rise.

The GCC nations share social and economic backgrounds, health problems, and nearly identical health systems and regulations. The Middle East area experiences significant medical device mobility via Asia-Pacific and Europe due to its strategic location. Patients with higher income levels have access to cutting-edge laser-based medical technologies to treat urological diseases. Additionally, it is anticipated that new product launches, partnerships, and developments will fuel market expansion in the area. In 2018, 50% of males over 60 were expected to have clinically severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to Mediclinic Southern Africa. The high prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the South African population is expected to fuel demand for laser surgery and intervention techniques, leading to positive growth for the market.

Segmental Analysis

The global urology laser market is segmented by laser type and application.

Based on laser type, the global market is bifurcated into holmium laser systems, diode laser systems, thulium laser systems, and other laser types.

The holmium laser system segment is the highest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period. A solid-state laser made of holmium emits radiation at a wavelength of about 2.1 microns. Several urological problems can be successfully treated using holmium lasers. It is anticipated that both the prevalence of urological disorders and the entry of new products into the market will rise during the projected period. Since bladder cancer is frequently treated with holmium laser ablation therapy, this is also anticipated to benefit the market under investigation.

Additionally, businesses are trying to create new items to increase their market share. As an illustration, the energy-based medical device business Lumenis Ltd. unveiled their "Next-Generation MOSES 2.0 Holmium Laser Technology" product. On-going urological care is anticipated to be significantly impacted by this technology. The demand for holmium laser systems rises in tandem with the rising popularity of minimally invasive surgical techniques. These techniques shorten the length of the procedure, cause less bleeding, and produce few postoperative problems.

The wavelength produced by the thulium laser system is around 2000mm, but unlike diode lasers, thulium energy can only be absorbed by water. Additionally, the wavelength is slightly shorter, reducing penetration depth to 0.25 mm. The transurethral vaporization, enucleation, and excision of the prostate are the most common procedures performed using the thulium laser system. Thulium lasers cannot be used for lithotripsy, which restricts their applicability and range of applications. The market is anticipated to increase due to several studies being carried out to assess their safety and efficacy in treating various urological disorders. ThuVEP is an effective and practical option to treat benign prostate hyperplasia in patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases and on antithrombotic therapy, according to the study titled "Thulium Laser Vapoenucleation of the Prostate (ThuVEP) in Men at High Cardiovascular Risk and on Antithrombotic Therapy: A Single-Center Experience." Furthermore, introducing new technologies in thulium laser systems is expected to fuel the market growth in this segment.

Based on application, the global market is bifurcated into benign prostatic hyperplasia, urolithiasis, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and other applications.

The benign prostatic hyperplasia segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.39% during the forecast period. The medical disorder known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which causes the prostate gland to grow, is widespread in males. It is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland that results from unchecked prostate cell proliferation. Frequent urination, trouble starting the urine, a weak urinary system, and difficulty emptying the bladder are common symptoms of BPH. Most patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are senior, and as the geriatric population grows, the disease's burden rises, driving up demand for laser treatment in this market. The frequency of the disease was highest in senior individuals (aged 70 years and above), at roughly 22.7%. The study states, "The prevalence and related variables of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia in aging males." In order to enhance patient outcomes, several novel laser procedures are now being researched.

The expanding burden of urolithiasis illnesses significantly impacts the increasing morbidity and death rates worldwide. The market expansion in this sector is anticipated to be further fueled by the rising disease burden. The frequency and prevalence of kidney stones have considerably increased across Europe over the past 40 years, according to a study published in Europe PMC. As a result, these incidents show that the prevalence of urolithiasis is rising, which is anticipated to increase the demand for urology lasers in this market. Effective therapy is crucial because it can worsen if not given the correct care, which drives market investigation. According to the University of Florida Health Science Center, the gold standard therapies for kidney or bladder stones include laser therapy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). As a result, new laser treatments are being developed for urolithiasis, fuelling market growth.

Recent Developments

• May 2021- UCI Health urologists tested a new laser technology capable of reducing even large kidney stones to dust that can be suctioned or flushed from the body.