The laparoscopic devices market in the Philippines is undergoing notable growth, driven by increasing acceptance and adoption of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques across various medical fields. This trend is fueled by the well-documented benefits of MIS—such as faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and minimal scarring—which are becoming more attractive to both healthcare providers and patients. A significant milestone in this space was achieved in March 2025. Meerecompany's Revo-i surgical robot received regulatory approval in the Philippines, highlighting the country's growing interest in robotic-assisted surgery. At the same time, rising awareness around obesity and its health consequences is spurring demand for bariatric procedures, most of which are performed using laparoscopic methods. As a result, the Philippine market for bariatric surgical devices is expected to expand in line with the increasing volume of such operations.
In general surgery, laparoscopic methods are gaining ground. A study examining trends in surgical caseloads from 2009 to 2018 in training hospitals across the country noted a steady rise in laparoscopic cases, particularly for procedures like appendectomies and cholecystectomies. This demonstrates a growing shift toward MIS for routine surgical conditions. The increasing availability of advanced laparoscopic and robotic tools is further accelerating this shift. Additionally, continued efforts to improve surgical education—such as those focused on laparoscopic hernia repair—reflect a broader commitment to strengthening MIS competencies in the surgical workforce.
While open surgery still dominates many colorectal procedures in the Philippines, there is a noticeable, if gradual, shift toward laparoscopic techniques. Data from the Philippine General Hospital up to June 2023 showed that 67.4% of colorectal surgeries were still performed using open methods. However, regional data from a broader multi-country study (published in August 2024) showed that the share of MIS in colorectal cancer surgeries rose from 26.2% in 2019 to 43.7% in 2023. Although these figures are from other similar healthcare systems, they point to a trend that the Philippines is likely to mirror as access to MIS technology improves.
Gynecology is another area where laparoscopic surgery is gaining momentum. The use of advanced laparoscopic instruments for procedures such as hysterectomy and myomectomy is becoming more common. The Philippine Board of Gynecologic Oncology’s recent clinical handbooks, including the 2023 edition, emphasize adherence to modern surgical standards, which increasingly include the use of laparoscopic approaches for complex gynecological interventions. This points to a broader institutional push toward integrating MIS into gynecologic practice.
Overall, the Philippines is progressively advancing in the field of minimally invasive surgery, with improvements in technology, training, and awareness supporting broader adoption across surgical disciplines.
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