The laparoscopic devices market in Colombia is undergoing notable growth, fueled by an increasing preference for minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques, rising healthcare spending, and a strategic emphasis on upgrading medical infrastructure. The country’s broader medical device market, which relies heavily on imports (approximately 80% in 2023), reflects strong demand for cutting-edge surgical equipment across Latin America.
In the bariatric surgery sector—a key area for laparoscopic applications—Colombia is witnessing an upward trend driven by rising obesity rates, leading to more laparoscopic bariatric procedures. Similarly, laparoscopic methods are becoming standard practice for general surgeries. The market for general surgical devices is expected to grow steadily, with Energy-based and Powered Instruments emerging as the fastest-growing category, signaling increased use of advanced laparoscopic tools in common procedures such as cholecystectomies, appendectomies, and hernia repairs throughout Colombian healthcare facilities.
Laparoscopic techniques are also gaining traction in colorectal surgeries due to their proven benefits. A national cohort study published in December 2024 in Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia Digestiva (ABCD) analyzed over 4,600 colon cancer patients undergoing colectomies. Although the study did not specify laparoscopic rates, it highlighted that high-volume surgical centers—which often have better access to advanced technology—exhibit lower 30-day mortality rates. This suggests a trend toward more centralized and technologically equipped surgical care, including minimally invasive options.
The demand for laparoscopic devices is particularly strong in gynecological surgeries as well. Additionally, an increasing incidence of conditions such as gallbladder cancer, projected to rise from 1,657 cases in 2018 to 2,166 by 2025, is further driving the need for laparoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in Colombia.
Colombia’s dedication to modernizing its healthcare system is evident through ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology. Public-private partnerships have supported the development and renovation of hospitals, including the Bosa Hospital in Bogotá, which began full operations in December 2023 with 215 beds and seven operating rooms. The Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC) has also been at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies, performing over 150 robotic orthopedic surgeries with the Mako system by October 2024, showcasing the country’s readiness for sophisticated minimally invasive technologies. Despite challenges such as regulatory inconsistencies and limited local R&D funding, continued government efforts to improve healthcare access and quality, combined with growing demand for advanced treatment options, are driving the expansion of Colombia’s laparoscopic devices market.
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