Laparotomy Sponge Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Radiopaque, RFID, Traditional), By End Use (Hospitals, Surgery Centers), By Region, Competitive Landscape, And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Outlook

The global laparotomy sponge market size was valued at USD 713.5 million in 2016. Rising geriatric population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases due to changing lifestyles, and growing incidence of abdominal diseases are among key trends augmenting the market. Moreover, mounting cases of cesarean deliveries worldwide is likely to trigger the growth of the market. 

According to WHO, the global geriatric population is anticipated to rise from an estimated 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion by 2050. Elderly people are more prone to abdominal diseases and it is one of the most common reasons for frequent visits to the emergency room. This demographic is at high risk, with a 10% mortality rate. Hernia, large bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer disease, and appendicitis are among major abdominal conditions suffered by geriatrics.

Furthermore, the number of cesarean section deliveries has increased tremendously worldwide owing to factors such as changes in maternal characteristics, economic, social, and organizational pressures, as well as professional malpractices. According to a retrospective study published on NCBI in 2016, the average global rate of cesarean section deliveries was 18.6%, ranging from 6.0% to 27.2% in the least developed and most developed countries respectively. The highest rates were found in Latin American and Caribbean sub-regions. This is expected to boost the demand for laparotomy sponges. 

Retained surgical item (RSI), any surgical product such as a sponge, tool, device, or instrument left inside the body post-surgery following the closure of a wound, is a serious health concern worldwide. Surgical sponges are the most commonly retained items post-surgery. There are various alternatives developed for reducing the incidence of RSI. Some of them are manual counting, X-ray detectable, incorporation of RFID in laparotomy sponges, and barcode detection.

Key players are developing new detection and identification methods for reducing the incidence of RSI. For example, Stryker developed a SurgiCount Safety-Sponge System that utilizes a unique identification code for surgical towels, to provide a real-time and precise count of these objects. A permanent record of the SurgiCount-verified correct count is maintained in the SurgiCount 360 software. This system can be used in conjunction with manual counting methods to reduce the risk of RSI. It is currently adopted by more than 480 hospitals in the U.S. and has been used in more than 10 million surgeries in the nation.

Technology Insights

Radiopaque or convention X-ray detectable laparotomy devices held over 54.0% share in 2016 owing to high demand across the world. In this method, materials such as a radiopaque thread or tail are used, which can be detected in radiographs. It is an expensive method but is recommended by several medical associations worldwide as it offers better detectability features as compared to traditional systems.

The radio frequency identification (RFID) segment is estimated to post a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. RFID is a technology developed for tracking and counting of these devices. It has low radio frequency beacons sewn into these devices. It employs low energy, making the system economically viable. A sponge tagged with RFID beeps when it is detected by an RF signal.

Traditional systems for laparotomy sponge detection include manual counting and the use of partitioned racks for keeping a track of the number of these devices in operating rooms. Despite technological advancements in sponge detection and tracking, manual counting is an important method used for counting these devices. The segment is poised to register steady growth during the same period.

Another method that uses a similar technology is the barcode method. A two-dimensional bar-coding system tracks laparotomy sponges and reduces false counts. This process involves the labeling of these devices with a unique code and their arrangement in a pack with a master tag that contains codes for all the products in the pack. Although there is no perfect system for tracking and detecting RSIs, the bar code system can be used to validate the manual sponge count.

End-use Insights

Hospitals represented the leading revenue share in the laparotomy sponges market in 2016. Laparotomy surgeries (open surgeries) are mostly performed as inpatient surgeries. They require longer hospital stays owing to their higher complexity as compared to outpatient surgeries. In addition, reimbursement framework in the U.S. is more favorable for inpatient surgeries as compared to outpatient ones. In developing regions, there are a limited number of surgery centers, and most surgeries are performed in hospitals. All these factors are contributing to the growth of the segment. It is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period.

Surgery centers are an emerging concept in developing regions. Surgeries conducted in these centers are mostly considered outpatient and most of them are less complicated as compared to inpatient surgeries in hospitals. Hospitals are generally preferred for open abdominal surgeries, whereas surgery centers are preferred for laparoscopic surgeries. Laparoscopic surgeries are increasing globally and thus, demand for laparotomy sponges in these centers is likely to increase over the forecast period. The segment is anticipated to register a noteworthy CAGR during the same period.

Regional Insights

North America was the leading revenue contributor in the market in 2016, accounting for more than 35% of the market. Increasing the geriatric population, rising incidence of abdominal disorders, and the growing number of abdominal surgeries are supplementing the growth of the market. Domicile of a large number of key players in the operating room supplies market and government initiatives undertaken for reducing the incidence of RSI are also escalating the growth of the regional market.

The U.S. is at the forefront of growth in the North America market. Incidence of RSI is considerably high in the country and several initiatives are being undertaken to reduce or manage the same. No Things Left Behind is a nationwide project initiated in 2004 for creating awareness about RSI. According to data gathered from this initiative, approximately 2,000 to 4,000 cases of RSI are reported every year in the U.S. This is likely to encourage the introduction of innovative laparoscopic sponges and thereby drive the market.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. According to the annual ranking of World Cancer Research, Korea, Japan, and China are among the top countries with the highest rates of stomach cancer. The rate of cesarean section deliveries is also high in Asian countries. This regional market has a high potential for growth owing to a wide base of geriatric population, increasing prevalence of abdominal disorders, and rising awareness about laparotomy. Growing investments in R&D by key players to develop accurate systems for tracking and detecting laparotomy sponges in an attempt to reduce RSI are also expected to play a pivotal role in the development of the regional market.

Laparotomy Sponge Market Share Insights

The market is highly fragmented in nature. Some of the key companies operating in the market are Medtronic; Derma Sciences, Inc.; Medical Action Industries, Inc.; Medline Industries, Inc.; Stryker; Premier Enterprises; ACTIMED; A Plus International, Inc.; Cardinal Health; and AllCare.

Manufacturers are striving to increase their market share through strategies such as improvements in existing products and the introduction of technologically advanced products. For instance, SurgiCount developed the SurgiCount Safety-Sponge System based on barcode identification for tracking and detecting these devices post-surgery.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research, Inc. has segmented the global laparotomy sponges market report on the basis of technology, end use, and region:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Radiopaque

  • Traditional

  • RFID

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • Hospitals

  • Surgery centers

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • The U.K.

    • Germany

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Mexico

    • Brazil

  • The Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa