Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Market Size

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Market Analysis

The Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Market size is estimated at USD 1.66 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 2.45 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.97% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

COVID-19 impacted the studied market due to cancellations of elective procedures including endoscopy and other surgical procedures. Endoscopy providers were at high risk during the pandemic since the disease spreads mostly by direct touch or aerosol droplets, and endoscopic procedures necessitate a close physical distance between patients and medical professionals. For instance, the study published in Endoscopy International Journal in April 2021, reported that ERCP case volume was reduced by 44.1% during the initial months of the pandemic compared to the previous year. However, the market recovered in the last few years due to the rising demand for minimally invasive endoscopic procedures and is expected to register stable growth during the forecast period.

The studied market is expected to grow during the forecast period because of the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer, rising preference for minimally invasive surgeries, and technological advancements in devices.

The introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques has increased the number of patients seeking ERCP operations, which will help the industry thrive in the coming years. As per the American Cancer Society's annual report published in January 2023, an estimated 41,210 new cases of liver cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the US. The most common types of liver cancer are hepatocellular carcinoma (72%) and intrahepatic bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma; 19%). The high burden of cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma is expected to boost the demand for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for the early detection of such malignancies.

Various healthcare organizations adopt initiatives like partnerships for the research and development of innovative products, thereby leading to market growth. For instance, as per a research article published in Optica Publishing Group journal in July 2022, researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences created a photoacoustic imaging endoscope probe that can fit inside a medical needle with an inner diameter of just 0.6 millimeters. The scientists also claimed that artificial intelligence could be used to speed up imaging procedures

The ultra-thin endoscope was developed in collaboration between King's College London and University College London. The device allows the 3D characterization of tissue during various minimally invasive procedures such as tumor biopsies. Such research studies leading to the development of advanced products are expected to create opportunities for market players to develop and market innovative products boosting market growth.

Furthermore, the strategic initiatives adopted by the market players, such as product launches, mergers, and acquisitions, are anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. For instance, in April 2022, Olympus entered into a strategic distribution agreement with EndoClot Plus. EndoClot Plus develops technologies in the hemostasis space, including the EndoClot PHS, a nonthermal, nontraumatic method for achieving hemostasis with GI bleeds designed to help gastroenterologists stop bleeding rapidly and reliably. Also, in October 2021, Olympus Corporation (Japan) revealed the debut of two therapy devices, StoneMasterV and VorticCatchV, to improve the effectiveness of bile duct stone management and retrieval for ERCP. Such launches are anticipated to accelerate market growth during the forecast period.

Thus, owing to the aforementioned factors, the market is expected to show growth over the forecast period. However, the high price associated with ERCP devices restrained the market over the forecast period.