The global hernia repair market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $4.1 Billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $5.1 Billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2029. The new research study consists of an industry trend analysis of the market. The new research study consists of industry trends, pricing analysis, patent analysis, conference and webinar materials, key stakeholders, and buying behaviour in the market. During the forecast years, growth of the market is attributed to the increasing number of hernia repair procedures, increasing adoption of mesh in hernia repair surgeries, new product development, effectiveness of mesh repair, rising geriatric population, availability of reimbursement and technological advancement in the coming years.
Hernia Repair: Market Dynamics
Driver: Increasing hernia prevalence
The main driving force for the growth of the hernia mesh repair market is the growing prevalence of hernia. This is mainly attributed to the improvements in healthcare systems that have enabled the early detection and treatment of hernia, overall increase in population and specifically geriatric and obese population.
One factor contributing significantly to the risk of hernia is age, by retarding the body’s capabilities and natural healing abilities over time. According to a registered study in the UK, the prevalence of hernia was found to increase with age:
Restraint: High costs of mesh repair and availability of less-expensive approaches
The material used in the development of hernia meshes significantly contribute to the cost of the meshes. Generally first generation meshes are used for the herniar repair procedures. For instance, the price of the mesh is USD 100–3,000 (and above), thus hernia mesh with advanced and specialized materials are too expensive to be used on a regular basis in developing markets. Though in developed countries mesh repair is relatively common, meshes are still unaffordable in countries with a per capita government healthcare expenditure below USD 50. Further, fulfilling regulatory compliance and getting approvals for the mesh repair involves substantial costs. Hence, in Africa, mainly due to the higher cost of mesh repair, only 10% hernias cases are repaired with the usage of mesh.
Opportunity: Growth potential offered by emerging markets
Significant growth opportunities are offered by emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil, and Mexico, for players operating in the hernia mesh repair market due to their huge and increasing patient population, growing hernia prevalence, and developing healthcare infrastructure. For instance, in China and India, the number of hernia repair incident cases of inguinal, abdominal, and femoral hernias were around 1.95 million and 2.45 million respectively in 2019.
Challenge: Dearth of expertise in laparoscopic surgery
Compared to open hernia repair, laparoscopic surgeries lead to less postoperative pain, slimmer chances of wound infection, and early recovery. However, despite these advantages, the adoption of laparoscopic hernia repair is very low in many developing and developed countries. According to OECD, only 3–4% of hernia repair procedures performed in Spain and Italy are done laparoscopically. This is mainly caused due to a lack of sufficient experience in dealing with the technical issues governing laparoscopic procedures—such as difficulties in handling meshes laparoscopically and anatomic considerations (a smaller workspace, for example)—which result in a steep learning curve. Personnel may require as many as 20 cases to familiarize themselves with the differences in visualization and point of view required.
By product, the mesh fixator segment of hernia repair industry is expected to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period.
Based on the product, the hernia repair market is segmented into mesh, sutures, mesh fixator, and other products. The hernia mesh segment is further categorized on the basis of type into synthetic and biologic mesh. The suture segment comprises of absorbable and non- absorbable suture. The hernia mesh fixator market is segmented into tack applicators and glue applicators. In 2023, the mesh fixator segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising adoption of surgical glue as mesh fixators has led to the growth of the segment.
By clinical indication, the inguinal hernia segment accounted for the largest share of hernia repair industry during the forecast period.
Based on the clinical indication, the hernia repair market is segmented into ventral hernia, inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, hiatal hernia and other clinical indications. Ventral hernia is further sub-segmented into incisional, epigastric and umbilical hernia. The inguinal hernia segment accounts for the largest share of the market. Every year worldwide, a high number of inguinal hernia repair surgeries performed are expected to propel the growth of this segment during the forecast period.
By surgery type, the open surgery segment of hernia repair industry is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Based on the surgery type, the hernia repair market is segmented into laparoscopic surgery, open surgery and robotic surgery. The open surgery segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The lower recurrence rate compared to other hernia repair surgery types has led to the significant growth and dominance of the segment in the industry in the upcoming years.
North America is expected to be the largest market of hernia repair industry during the forecast period.
The hernia repair market has been segmented into five major regions, namely, North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America, comprising the US and Canada, held the largest share of the global market in 2023. On the other hand, the Asia Pacific market is estimated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period. North America accounted for a share of 40% of the market, followed by Europe with a share of 27%. This region is witnessing growth due to presence of a large pool of hernia products and adoption of hernia mesh, particularly biologic mesh.
Prominent players in the Hernia Repair market include:
- Ethicon Inc. (US)
- AbbVie Inc. (US)
- Medtronic plc (Ireland)
- Becton Dickinson and Company (US)
- Baxter International Inc.
- B. Braun SE (Germany)
Recent Developments of Hernia Repair Industry:
- In October 2022, W. L. Gore & Associates launched GORE SYNECOR Intraperitoneal Biomaterial in Europe, The Middle East and South Africa.
- In May 2020, Cook Group Inc. partnered with the European Hernia Society for improving patient hernia outcomes through continuing research and education.
- In May 2020, AbbVie Inc. acquired Allergan and diversified their hernia repair business.
Conclusion:
The hernia repair market is projected to experience significant growth over the coming years. This growth is driven by factors such as the increasing prevalence of hernias, advancements in surgical techniques, and the rising adoption of minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, the aging global population and the growing awareness of hernia treatment options contribute to the market expansion.