Global & Japan Laparoscopic Devices Market to 2031

Japan’s laparoscopic devices market is marked by advanced technology adoption, a high-quality healthcare system, and a rapidly aging population that fuels the need for more efficient, minimally invasive surgical options. The government’s efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and quality, combined with substantial investment in research and development—particularly in robotics and imaging technologies—further stimulate market growth. Although Japan may not match the bariatric surgery volumes seen in some Western countries, it still represents a significant portion of the global market, which reached an estimated 270,089 procedures in 2023. This growth is supported by rising obesity rates and governmental measures aimed at addressing this issue, with gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy being the most common procedures, both relying heavily on laparoscopic methods.

Laparoscopic surgeries are widely practiced across general surgery disciplines, driven by millions of procedures performed annually and influenced by demographic trends such as population aging and an increase in chronic illnesses. According to the 2023 National Clinical Database Annual Report by the Japan Surgical Society, key figures include 17,422 laparoscopic gastric cancer resections, 37,312 simple laparoscopic appendectomies, and 14,465 complex laparoscopic appendectomies, highlighting the extensive integration of laparoscopic techniques in everyday surgical care. In colorectal surgery, laparoscopic approaches are well-established and continuously advancing, with growing comparisons to robotic surgery. The same report notes a high volume of colorectal laparoscopic procedures, including 48,885 colectomies for malignancies, 6,033 partial colectomies, and 4,599 small bowel resections. Additionally, a nationwide cohort study published in the “ANZ Journal of Surgery” in December 2023 reviewed 17,537 laparoscopic rectal cancer surgeries alongside robotic cases, demonstrating the widespread acceptance and patient benefits of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Japan.

In gynecology, laparoscopic devices are extensively used, and there has been notable progress in robotic-assisted surgeries. Ongoing initiatives, such as the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s 2024 regulations on physician overtime, reflect a strong focus on enhancing surgical efficiency and maintaining high standards, particularly in minimally invasive gynecological treatments.

Overall, Japan’s laparoscopic devices market is distinguished by technological innovation, a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes, and the increasing adoption of robotic-assisted systems that complement traditional laparoscopy. The country’s aging demographic and rising rates of chronic disease are expected to sustain and expand demand for these advanced surgical solutions. Show more