Ureteroscopy Market Size by Type (Flexible Ureteroscopes, Semi-rigid Ureteroscopes), By Applications Covered (Hospital, Ambulant Centers) and Regional Forecast to 2033

Ureteroscopy Market Size

The Global Ureteroscopy market was valued at USD 0.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 0.94 billion in 2025, with projections to grow to USD 1.3 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period [2025-2033].

The US Ureteroscopy market is experiencing significant growth, driven by innovations in autonomous navigation systems that improve the precision and efficiency of urological procedures. The increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments and technological advancements in surgical instruments are boosting market growth, contributing to a stronger healthcare infrastructure and enhanced patient outcomes in the region.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Valued at USD 0.94 billion in 2025, expected to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.1%.

• Growth Drivers: Over 70% preference for minimally invasive surgeries and 60% increase in urolithiasis cases drive ureteroscopy procedure volumes globally.

• Trends: More than 65% shift toward flexible digital ureteroscopes and 40% rise in adoption of single-use devices signal changing technology trends.

• Key Players: Olympus, Boston Scientific, KARL STORZ, Stryker, Richard Wolf

• Regional Insights: North America holds 36%, Europe 27%, Asia-Pacific 23%, Middle East & Africa 14%—totaling 100% with North America leading due to high adoption.

• Challenges: 20% device failure rate, 18% drop in optical performance, and 15% annual maintenance burden hinder full-scale market penetration.

• Industry Impact: 50% of hospitals report improved outcomes post-ureteroscopy adoption; 30% reduction in recovery time enhances patient throughput and system efficiency.

• Recent Developments: 23.7% increase in system coverage using AR, 27.3% reduction in cognitive load, 89% preference for flexible disposable ureteroscopes.

The global ureteroscopy market is experiencing robust growth, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of kidney stones and other urological disorders. Ureteroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, is gaining traction due to its effectiveness in diagnosing and treating urinary tract issues. Hospitals and specialty urology centers are increasingly adopting flexible and digital ureteroscopes to improve procedural success rates. Additionally, technological innovations such as single-use ureteroscopes are helping reduce infection risks and maintenance costs, further boosting market adoption. The expanding geriatric population, who are more prone to urinary diseases, also plays a key role in driving demand for ureteroscopy.

Ureteroscopy Market Trends

The ureteroscopy market is undergoing a significant transformation with a notable shift towards digital and disposable ureteroscopes. Over 60% of hospitals now prefer flexible ureteroscopes due to enhanced maneuverability and visualization. Digital ureteroscopes account for more than 45% of new installations in urology departments. Additionally, the disposable ureteroscope segment is growing rapidly, capturing around 35% of the market share due to reduced risk of cross-contamination. Hospital-based end-users dominate the market with over 55% usage share, followed by specialty urology clinics. North America remains a leading region, holding approximately 40% of the global share, while Asia-Pacific is emerging with rapid growth, driven by increasing healthcare investments. Key players are focusing on research and development, with over 25% of market leaders investing in image enhancement and irrigation control systems. The adoption of laser lithotripsy in combination with ureteroscopy is also on the rise, used in more than 50% of kidney stone treatments. These trends underline the market’s evolution towards safer, more efficient, and patient-friendly solutions.

Ureteroscopy Market Dynamics

The ureteroscopy market is shaped by a combination of technological advancements, rising disease prevalence, changing patient preferences, and economic factors. The demand for minimally invasive treatments continues to rise, while improved hospital infrastructure, enhanced imaging systems, and real-time navigation tools support wider adoption of ureteroscopy. Meanwhile, pricing pressures and device reusability concerns influence purchasing decisions. The market is also impacted by training needs for complex procedures and variability in healthcare access across different regions.

OPPORTUNITY

"Technological Advancements and Growth in Emerging Markets"

The ureteroscopy market holds significant opportunities with the integration of AI, enhanced imaging, and robotic assistance. Innovations like real-time stone tracking, improved irrigation systems, and ultra-thin ureteroscopes are expanding the scope of procedures. Over 35% of manufacturers are investing in lightweight, ergonomic devices that improve surgeon comfort and reduce fatigue. Emerging economies present strong potential due to expanding healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness. In countries like India and Brazil, urological disorder rates are increasing by over 10% annually, prompting healthcare providers to adopt modern diagnostic tools. Government initiatives supporting medical device procurement are further enhancing the reach of ureteroscopy technologies in these regions.

DRIVERS

"Increasing Incidence of Urolithiasis and Preference for Minimally Invasive Surgery"

The rising global incidence of kidney stones, affecting nearly 12% of the population at some point in their lives, is a major driver for ureteroscopy market growth. Around 20% of urology patients require interventional procedures like ureteroscopy for stone removal. The demand for minimally invasive solutions is rising, with over 70% of patients preferring options that offer quicker recovery and reduced hospital stays. The reduced complication rate associated with ureteroscopy compared to open surgery encourages healthcare professionals to adopt this technique more widely. Furthermore, the integration of laser lithotripsy with ureteroscopy is increasing procedural success rates by over 80%, making it a go-to choice in clinical settings.

Market Restraints

"High Cost and Limited Access to Advanced Equipment"

The cost of advanced flexible and digital ureteroscopes remains a major barrier, particularly in developing nations. A single-use ureteroscope may cost up to 30% more than reusable ones, while maintenance costs for reusable scopes can add 15% annually. Additionally, more than 40% of small and mid-sized healthcare facilities report difficulties in accessing or affording these devices. Limited training and lack of skilled professionals further restrict market penetration. In rural areas, only 25% of hospitals are equipped with high-end urology equipment, which hinders timely diagnosis and treatment. These cost-related and infrastructural constraints slow down widespread adoption despite growing clinical demand.

Market Challenges

"Limited Device Reusability and Repair Complexity"

One of the critical challenges in the Ureteroscopy market is the limited lifespan of reusable ureteroscopes. On average, reusable flexible ureteroscopes can withstand only 50–100 procedures before requiring expensive repairs. Around 20% of hospitals report recurring downtime due to scope fragility, especially when treating complex cases. The cost and frequency of repairs, sometimes as high as 15–20% of the initial device price annually, create budget constraints for mid-sized facilities. Furthermore, sterilization procedures reduce instrument integrity over time, leading to a 16–18% drop in optical performance by the end of their usable life. Smaller clinics and centers often lack on-site reprocessing units, making it challenging to maintain device functionality. These recurring technical and financial limitations restrict widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited settings.

Segmentation Analysis

The Ureteroscopy market is segmented by type and application, enabling deeper insights into usage dynamics. By type, it includes Flexible Ureteroscopes and Semi-rigid Ureteroscopes, each offering distinct benefits for specific anatomical zones. By application, the market is divided into Hospitals and Ambulant Surgical Centers. Flexible scopes are widely preferred in hospitals for treating upper urinary tract conditions due to their advanced navigation. Semi-rigid scopes, on the other hand, are more common in treating mid and lower ureteral stones. Hospitals dominate due to procedural volume and infrastructure. However, ambulatory centers are gaining traction, representing a shift toward outpatient ureteroscopic procedures. This segmentation reveals evolving preferences in Ureteroscopy usage across care settings.

By Type

• Flexible Ureteroscopes: Flexible ureteroscopes are the dominant product type in the Ureteroscopy market, accounting for over 60% of the total market share. Their popularity stems from the ability to access difficult areas of the upper urinary tract, especially the renal calyces. Flexible scopes provide enhanced maneuverability and are preferred in procedures involving kidney stones and complex urological diagnostics. Clinical adoption has increased due to innovations in fiber-optic imaging and digital video technology. In 2024, hospitals performed more than 70% of kidney stone removals using flexible ureteroscopes, particularly for cases involving stones larger than 10mm. These devices are now being offered in both reusable and single-use formats, supporting patient safety and reducing sterilization-related delays.

• Semi-rigid Ureteroscopes: Semi-rigid ureteroscopes are especially effective in treating lower and mid-ureteral conditions where direct access is possible without significant flexion. They comprise about 35–40% of the Ureteroscopy market and remain an essential choice for urologists treating ureteral strictures or mid-ureteral stones. Semi-rigid scopes are valued for their superior image resolution and compatibility with laser lithotripsy. In over 55% of ureteral stone cases below the pelvic brim, semi-rigid ureteroscopes are used. These devices are also more durable, offering longer life cycles with minimal maintenance. Their affordability compared to flexible scopes makes them suitable for smaller practices and emerging healthcare markets.

By Application

• Hospital and Ambulatory Centers: Hospitals remain the largest end-user segment in the Ureteroscopy market, performing over 75% of total ureteroscopy procedures globally. This is due to the availability of urology specialists, comprehensive diagnostic services, and advanced infrastructure. Most flexible ureteroscopy procedures and laser lithotripsy treatments are conducted in hospital settings, particularly for complex stone or tumor cases. On the other hand, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are growing fast, now accounting for around 20–25% of procedures. ASCs offer quicker turnaround, lower patient costs, and reduced postoperative hospitalization. With miniaturization and digital innovation making ureteroscopes more mobile and accessible, the ASC segment is forecasted to expand its procedural share significantly in the coming years.

Ureteroscopy Market Regional Outlook

The global Ureteroscopy market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. North America holds the largest market share, accounting for about 36%, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high disease prevalence, and favorable reimbursement policies. Europe follows with around 27%, led by Germany, France, and the UK where aging populations and rising urolithiasis cases support steady growth. The Asia-Pacific region holds nearly 23%, fueled by rising healthcare investments and growing awareness in China, India, and Japan. The Middle East & Africa region contributes approximately 14% to the market, with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa emerging as promising growth centers due to ongoing healthcare modernization efforts. Each region exhibits different levels of device penetration, but together they comprise a 100% view of the evolving Ureteroscopy landscape.

North America

North America leads the Ureteroscopy market, capturing over 36% of global share in 2024—equating to approximately USD 0.46 billion in market size—underscoring the region’s dominance . The United States drives this leadership, with a high prevalence of kidney stones, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and widespread adoption of minimally invasive Ureteroscopy procedures . The U.S. segment alone was valued around USD 526 million in 2024. Strong reimbursement policies, continuous innovation in imaging and disposable ureteroscopes, and emphasis on patient safety continue to solidify North America’s position at the forefront of the global Ureteroscopy market.

Europe

Europe maintains a strong position in the Ureteroscopy market, characterized by its robust healthcare infrastructure and aging population—particularly in Germany, France, and the UK—driving demand for advanced endourology procedures . In 2024, the Europe ureteroscope market was estimated at USD 264.4 million, reflecting significant adoption of Ureteroscopy across diagnostics and treatment applications. Government-backed initiatives and favorable reimbursement frameworks further support utilization of Ureteroscopy, while leading players consistently launch new flexible and digital ureteroscopy systems to serve the expanding patient base.

Asia‑Pacific

Asia‑Pacific is emerging as one of the most dynamic Ureteroscopy markets, driven by rapid urbanization, rising urological disease burden, and growing investments in healthcare infrastructure across China, India, and Japan. Although exact market value isn't specified, Mordor Intelligence indicates the region is the fastest-growing, holding around 7.1% share in 2024 and with strong momentum ahead. Surge in private hospital expansion and government programs to broaden access to minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment services are catalyzing Ureteroscopy adoption. China, in particular, is witnessing accelerated deployment of advanced ureteroscopes, while India benefits from increasing patient awareness and healthcare expenditure.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa (MEA) region remains an emerging market for Ureteroscopy, with comparatively lower adoption due to infrastructural constraints and limited access to advanced medical devices . Nonetheless, demand is gradually rising, particularly in GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, where modernization of hospitals and investment in minimally invasive surgery are gaining traction. Though total regional figures are modest relative to other areas, the increasing number of urolithiasis cases and growing government-led healthcare initiatives suggest an upward trend in Ureteroscopy deployment across MEA.

LIST OF KEY Ureteroscopy Market COMPANIES PROFILED

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the Ureteroscopy market is gaining momentum as stakeholders recognize the demand for minimally invasive procedures. With the global ureteroscope market reaching approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024 and the flexible ureteroscope segment alone valued around USD 868.7 million, investors see clear potential. Funding is increasingly directed toward improving scope durability, single-use designs, and advanced imaging capabilities. The disposable ureteroscope market was valued at about USD 174.9 million in 2024, illustrating growing interest in infection-control technologies. Public and private healthcare institutions in North America led regional investment with over USD 558 million in market share in 2024 . In Asia-Pacific, rapid infrastructure expansion and rising urolithiasis prevalence are drawing new capital into equipment procurement and training programs. Venture firms are also exploring emerging technologies like augmented reality for navigation support—such as NAVIUS, which demonstrated a 23.7 percent improvement in collecting system coverage during simulation. Meanwhile, robotics-assisted breakthrough devices—like the spinner for fragment removal achieving near‑100 percent capture in single passes—are attracting R&D investment. Altogether, these developments mark clear opportunities for high-impact investments in Ureteroscopy technologies, services, and training across regions.

NEW PRODUCTS Development

The Ureteroscopy market in 2023−2024 saw numerous new product developments aimed at enhancing safety, efficacy, and usability. Olympus and other firms launched single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes offering high-definition imaging and reduced cross-contamination risk—addressing growing infection concerns . One notable innovation is the NAVIUS augmented reality navigation system, which enabled surgeons to explore 23.7 percent more of the renal collecting system in phantom studies, while reducing mental workload by up to 27.3 percent . Another breakthrough, the spinner-assisted ureteroscope, captured over 60 small fragments per pass—demonstrating near 100 percent clearance efficiency and reducing operative repetition. Robotic endoscopic platforms integrated with axial force sensors—such as EndoForce—are being developed to improve safety by accurately measuring insertion force even in curved ureter models. Additionally, manufacturers are refining ergonomics and miniaturization in disposable scopes, with flexible variants commanding about 89 percent of the disposable segment in 2024 . Taken together, the trend toward smarter, safer, and more efficient Ureteroscopy tools is shaping a new generation of products aimed at boosting surgical outcomes and reducing procedural burdens.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in Ureteroscopy Market

• Olympus introduced single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes engineered for superior imaging and contamination control .

• NAVIUS, an augmented reality-guided ureteroscopy system, improved collecting system exploration by 23.7 percent and reduced cognitive load up to 27.3 percent .

• A spinner-assisted ureteroscope device achieved near‑100 percent fragment capture per pass—over 60 small fragments or 15 larger ones—accelerating stone removal .

• The EndoForce axial force-measurement module was developed for robotic endoscopy, accurately sensing insertion pressures in both straight and curved ureteral models .

• Manufacturers expanded disposable ureteroscope production, with flexible types capturing about 89 percent of the segment by 2024 .

REPORT COVERAGE of Ureteroscopy Market

The Ureteroscopy market report provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, focusing on key growth metrics, segmentation, regional insights, competitive landscape, and recent technological advancements. It includes an in-depth analysis of Flexible Ureteroscopes and Semi-rigid Ureteroscopes, highlighting usage patterns, share of procedure volumes, and innovations in scope durability and digital imaging. The study covers application areas such as Hospitals, which account for over 75% of global procedures, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers, which are rapidly gaining ground with around 25% of procedural volume.

Regional analysis is a key component, offering detailed insights into market distribution: North America leads with approximately 36% of global share, followed by Europe with 27%, Asia-Pacific with 23%, and Middle East & Africa with 14%, cumulatively forming a complete 100% market structure. The report profiles leading companies such as Olympus and Boston Scientific, which together hold nearly 49% of the total market share, alongside other players including Stryker, Richard Wolf, and KARL STORZ.

It also includes recent developments in product innovation, such as robotic-assisted ureteroscopy, disposable scopes, and augmented reality navigation systems, as well as investment trends that are reshaping how urological procedures are delivered worldwide. The report ensures actionable insights for stakeholders across the Ureteroscopy value chain.