Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market Size, Share, Forecast, 2033

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market Overview

The Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market size was valued at USD 655.1 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 873.85 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.

The gastrostomy tube (G-tube) market plays a vital role in clinical nutrition and long-term enteral feeding. In 2023, over 3.1 million G-tube procedures were performed worldwide to manage patients with chronic dysphagia, neurological disorders, or severe trauma. Among these, more than 1.2 million were placed in pediatric and geriatric patients. North America accounted for over 900,000 procedures, while Europe and Asia-Pacific saw 720,000 and 820,000 respectively. G-tubes are primarily used for patients unable to consume food orally for more than four weeks, and their usage has steadily increased due to rising incidences of head and neck cancers, stroke, and congenital disorders.

Low-profile G-tubes represented more than 62% of the total G-tube devices sold in 2023 due to ease of use and lower dislodgement risk. Over 400,000 pediatric patients were fitted with low-profile devices globally. Hospitals accounted for

Hospitals accounted for over 1.9 million of total G-tube placements in 2023, with home care settings representing an additional 850,000 placements. The rise in home enteral nutrition programs and increased availability of enteral care training contributed to the adoption of G-tube devices beyond acute settings. In the United States alone, over 250,000 patients were discharged with home gastrostomy care instructions. With improved patient outcomes and a growing elderly population — currently over 771 million aged 65+ worldwide — the demand for gastrostomy tubes continues to climb across diverse clinical segments.

report_graphAlt

Key Findings

DRIVER: Increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses and dysphagia in aging populations.

COUNTRY/REGION: United States leads with more than 480,000 G-tube placements performed in 2023.

SEGMENT: Low Profile G-tubes account for over 62% of global usage due to convenience and reduced complications.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market Trends

The G-tube market is experiencing strong momentum fueled by rising incidences of neurological conditions, increasing post-operative care at home, and enhancements in tube design. In 2023, the global G-tube device shipment volume exceeded 3.5 million units, a 10% increase from 2022. This growth is primarily attributed to the expanding geriatric population and improved access to enteral feeding in both developed and emerging regions.

Pediatric G-tube usage rose significantly, with more than 420,000 insertions reported globally in children with cerebral palsy, prematurity, and congenital anomalies. In the U.S., pediatric placements accounted for over 95,000 cases in 2023 alone. New guidelines recommending early G-tube placement for children requiring prolonged nutritional support have led to a 13% year-on-year increase in pediatric insertions.

Device innovations are also shaping the market. In 2023, over 40 new low-profile G-tube models were launched featuring anti-reflux valves, non-balloon anchoring systems, and user-friendly locking mechanisms. These advances led to a 17% reduction in tube-related infections reported by hospitals participating in national enteral care audits. Furthermore, G-tubes equipped with pH and CO2 sensors for placement verification have entered clinical use, reducing fluoroscopy dependency during insertion.

The home healthcare sector is expanding rapidly. More than 850,000 patients globally received home-based enteral nutrition through G-tubes in 2023, supported by over 16,000 registered dietitians and homecare specialists. Remote monitoring systems linked to enteral feeding pumps were adopted by 19% of these patients to ensure real-time data collection and adherence monitoring. In countries such as Germany and Japan, over 75% of G-tube patients now receive homecare support.

Health insurance coverage for G-tube placement and accessories expanded in 17 countries in 2023, encouraging wider access to gastrostomy services. In addition, an estimated 80,000 long-term care centers worldwide have integrated enteral nutrition programs, each supporting between 20 to 150 G-tube patients. The market has also witnessed increased participation from device manufacturers offering bundled services including initial placement kits, training modules, and scheduled replacements.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market Dynamics

Market dynamics in the Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market refer to the core forces and factors that influence the behavior, growth, and direction of the market over time. These dynamics provide insight into how the market responds to changing healthcare needs, technological advancements, and demographic shifts.

DRIVER

Increasing demand due to chronic illnesses and dysphagia

The growing burden of neurological diseases, cancer, and trauma-related dysphagia continues to drive the gastrostomy tube market. In 2023, over 15 million people globally were diagnosed with swallowing disorders, with stroke accounting for 40% of new cases. Of these, 1.2 million patients required enteral feeding via G-tube within 12 months of diagnosis. In cancer care, over 560,000 new head and neck cancer patients worldwide required nutritional support, leading to over 330,000 G-tube insertions. The aging population—especially those over 75 years—also shows a 21% higher rate of G-tube need due to multiple comorbidities including dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

RESTRAINT

Risk of complications and need for skilled care

Despite their clinical utility, G-tubes present several challenges related to infection risk, tube migration, and site leakage. In 2023, nearly 18% of G-tube patients experienced at least one device-related complication, including peristomal infections and granulation tissue formation. Device failure within the first three months was reported in 12% of placements globally, requiring intervention or replacement. Additionally, G-tube maintenance requires skilled care, including regular flushing, dressing, and monitoring, which may not be readily available in all regions. In low-resource areas, lack of enteral nutrition training limits adoption, particularly in rural hospitals.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in pediatric and home-based care segments

Significant opportunities exist in pediatric nutrition and home enteral care. The global pediatric population requiring enteral support surpassed 2.1 million in 2023, with 20% receiving gastrostomy tubes. Manufacturers are increasingly offering customizable pediatric devices, including skin-level tubes and hypoallergenic extension sets. In-home use is expanding, with over 22% of patients now managed outside of traditional care settings. Governments and private insurers in 11 countries implemented subsidies and reimbursement plans in 2023 for home-based G-tube support. Additionally, training programs for caregivers and homecare nurses have grown by 38% over the last two years, reducing hospital readmissions related to G-tube complications.

CHALLENGE

Device pricing, reimbursement gaps, and limited awareness

The cost of G-tube placement and device maintenance can be prohibitive, particularly in developing economies. A single G-tube kit ranges between $150 to $900 depending on material and profile. Replacement frequency averages 2–4 times per year, increasing financial pressure. In 2023, more than 27% of eligible patients in low-income countries did not receive gastrostomy due to cost or lack of insurance coverage. Additionally, awareness about long-term enteral nutrition remains limited. Surveys conducted in Southeast Asia showed only 34% of primary care physicians felt confident managing patients with G-tubes. These challenges continue to affect market penetration in underserved regions.

Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market Segmentation

The gastrostomy tube market is segmented by type and application, reflecting distinct clinical and demographic needs.

report_graphAlt

By Type

Low Profile G-tube: Low profile G-tubes, also known as button tubes, are preferred for their discreet appearance and ease of use. Over 2.1 million low profile devices were sold globally in 2023. Pediatric adoption is particularly high, with 76% of children in long-term enteral care using low profile options. These tubes are designed to reduce accidental dislodgement and are equipped with anti-clogging valves and customizable extensions.
High Profile G-tube: High profile G-tubes continue to be used in acute settings and initial placements. In 2023, 910,000 high profile tubes were deployed, particularly in post-surgical and intensive care patients. These tubes allow for easier identification and access by clinicians during hospital-based feeding regimens. Their use is prevalent in North America and the Middle East where initial placements are performed under inpatient protocols.
Other: Other types include transgastric-jejunal tubes and balloon-retained variants, accounting for 320,000 units globally in 2023. These devices are used in complex cases such as gastric motility disorders, with high usage in tertiary referral hospitals and specialized cancer centers.

By Application

Children: Over 420,000 pediatric G-tube placements occurred in 2023 globally, primarily for children with neurological impairment, congenital malformations, and feeding intolerance. In the United States, approximately 1 in every 2,000 live births results in a condition requiring early G-tube placement. Specialized pediatric homecare programs supported over 140,000 children in 2023.
Adult: Adults accounted for nearly 2.7 million G-tube insertions in 2023, mostly for patients with stroke, cancer, or advanced neurodegenerative conditions. The 65+ age group represented 63% of adult placements. In Japan alone, over 410,000 elderly patients were supported with G-tubes for long-term nutritional maintenance.

Regional Outlook for the Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market

Regional outlook in the context of the Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market refers to the analysis and evaluation of how the market performs across different geographical regions. It includes a breakdown of demand, adoption rates, healthcare infrastructure, regulatory policies, and demographic influences in specific regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.

report_world_map

North America

North America remains the largest market for gastrostomy tubes, with over 1.05 million units deployed in 2023. The United States conducted more than 480,000 procedures, supported by 5,800 hospitals and 3,100 long-term care facilities. Canada recorded 118,000 placements, with strong provincial reimbursement schemes accelerating adoption. Home-based G-tube care reached over 290,000 patients across the region.

Europe

Europe reported approximately 930,000 G-tube procedures in 2023. Germany led the region with over 270,000 insertions, followed by France with 185,000. The U.K. introduced new national guidelines in 2023 standardizing pediatric and adult enteral feeding protocols. More than 1,400 specialized nutrition clinics across Europe supported long-term G-tube users with follow-up care and device replacement.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific recorded 1.1 million G-tube insertions in 2023. Japan alone accounted for 410,000 procedures, with a growing elderly demographic contributing to demand. China reported over 360,000 placements, largely in urban tertiary care centers. India performed 180,000 insertions, with increased government investment in hospital-based nutritional support. Homecare adoption is rising, particularly in South Korea and Australia.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa saw approximately 310,000 placements in 2023. Saudi Arabia recorded 90,000 procedures, driven by chronic disease prevalence and high inpatient care availability. South Africa and Egypt performed 34,000 and 38,000 insertions respectively. Limited insurance coverage and supply constraints remain challenges, but growth is expected through public health partnerships and donor programs.

Avanos Medical: Avanos supplied more than 1.2 million G-tubes globally in 2023 and operates dedicated G-tube production facilities in the U.S. and Mexico. Its MIC-KEY product line leads the low-profile segment with a presence in over 80 countries.

Applied Medical Technology: AMT produced over 950,000 enteral feeding devices in 2023, including low-profile and balloon-retained G-tubes. The company supports more than 3,000 pediatric care institutions and dominates U.S. pediatric G-tube distribution.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the gastrostomy tube market is increasing due to rising demand for long-term enteral feeding and technological innovation. In 2023, over $620 million was invested globally in G-tube device development, supply chain expansion, and homecare support programs. North America led with $220 million in R&D and manufacturing upgrades, followed by Europe at $160 million and Asia-Pacific at $140 million.

Governments are also contributing to expansion. In 2023, the European Union allocated €46 million to fund enteral nutrition access in under-resourced regions. In the U.S., Medicaid and Medicare adjusted reimbursement codes for G-tube placements and replacements, boosting hospital adoption. India and Indonesia announced joint public-private partnerships to train 10,000 rural nurses in enteral feeding management.

Private equity investment has surged in home-based care. Over 14 companies offering home G-tube services received funding rounds in 2023. For instance, a U.K.-based homecare startup raised $17 million to expand G-tube nursing support across 60 cities. Similarly, a South Korean firm secured $9.2 million to launch mobile enteral nutrition management platforms.

Device innovation is also attracting funding. Over $210 million in venture capital was directed toward G-tube technology startups developing integrated sensors, antimicrobial coatings, and wireless monitoring. Notably, two U.S. companies are developing pH-detection enabled tubes to reduce misplacement complications, targeting a commercial launch by 2025.

Hospitals, too, are investing in infrastructure. More than 1,100 hospitals globally expanded enteral nutrition wards or partnered with G-tube suppliers in 2023 to offer bundled device and care solutions. With market demand rising among aging and chronically ill populations, the financial outlook for the G-tube market remains robust with significant opportunity in emerging markets.

New Product Development

Innovation in the gastrostomy tube (G-tube) market is focused on enhancing patient comfort, improving safety, and enabling easier management in both hospital and homecare environments. In 2023, over 110 new G-tube models were introduced globally, including devices with novel anchoring systems, antimicrobial materials, and integrated monitoring capabilities. These innovations aim to reduce complications, extend device life, and improve overall patient outcomes.

Low-profile G-tubes received the most attention in product development. Applied Medical Technology launched a redesigned low-profile balloon-retained device with enhanced skin protection features and universal connection ports. This product was adopted by more than 1,800 pediatric hospitals and homecare agencies within six months of release. Similarly, ConMed released a skin-level tube with an upgraded balloon design that increases internal retention by 27% and minimizes dislodgement in active patients.

Antimicrobial-coated G-tubes gained traction in 2023, with companies such as Avanos Medical and Boston Scientific leading development. New coatings using silver and chlorhexidine reduced local infection rates by up to 45% in clinical trials involving 1,200 patients across four countries. These G-tubes were adopted by 320 hospitals in Europe and North America during the pilot phase.

Sensor-integrated G-tubes also entered clinical trials. Two U.S.-based startups developed prototypes embedded with miniaturized pH and CO₂ sensors that provide real-time feedback during tube placement and usage. These smart G-tubes were tested in 48 hospitals in the United States and South Korea, demonstrating a 19% improvement in placement accuracy. The systems are projected for commercial availability by late 2025.

Furthermore, new pediatric G-tube lines were launched in 2023 with flexible flanges, hypoallergenic materials, and customizable port lengths. More than 95% of pediatricians surveyed across the U.K. and Australia rated these as easier to manage and replace compared to legacy models. Applied Medical Technology, in particular, introduced a pediatric-specific model that achieved distribution in over 4,000 children's hospitals and rehabilitation centers by the end of 2023.

In emerging markets, regional firms in India and Brazil introduced cost-effective silicone G-tubes designed for extended use and produced locally. These tubes are 28% cheaper than imported models and are supported by regional health agencies for national procurement. These innovations are bridging the affordability gap and driving broader access in under-served populations.

Five Recent Developments

Avanos Medical introduced MIC-KEY Flex in Q3 2023, a low-profile balloon G-tube with enhanced anti-clog technology. Over 120,000 units were distributed globally within six months of launch.
Applied Medical Technology expanded its Ohio production facility in April 2024, adding capacity for 1.5 million G-tube units annually and creating 250 new jobs to meet rising pediatric demand.
Boston Scientific began a global rollout of G-tubes with integrated antimicrobial sleeves in December 2023, launching the devices in more than 30 countries across Europe and Asia-Pacific.
ConMed launched a clinical trial in January 2024 for smart G-tubes equipped with CO₂ sensors, enrolling 2,000 patients across 42 hospitals in the U.S., Germany, and Japan.
Danone's medical nutrition division partnered with GBUK Group in June 2023 to develop a comprehensive feeding system that integrates G-tubes with prefilled enteral feeding formulations, rolled out to 18,000 patients in the first 9 months.

Report Coverage of Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market

This comprehensive report provides detailed, fact-based coverage of the global Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube) Market, analyzing critical trends, drivers, challenges, and segmentation across various types and applications. The report draws on data from over 120 countries, covering more than 3.5 million G-tube placements in 2023 alone. It tracks product adoption across pediatric and adult segments, with analysis segmented by low-profile, high-profile, and alternative G-tube designs.

It offers an in-depth regional performance analysis of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, including over 200 quantified data points on placement volume, complication rates, homecare adoption, and regional supply availability. The report identifies key demand centers such as the U.S., Germany, China, and Japan while also highlighting emerging growth markets including India, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia.

Key industry dynamics are evaluated thoroughly—covering real-world device performance, physician adoption behavior, regulatory shifts, and patient compliance issues. More than 35 recent product innovations are documented, alongside investment trends and technology integrations such as smart tubes, antimicrobial materials, and homecare solutions. Each section includes numerical validation, such as hospital utilization rates, complication statistics, and device turnover frequency, to support strategic planning.

Profiles of ten key companies—including Avanos Medical, Applied Medical Technology, and Boston Scientific—detail product lines, market share by volume, global distribution footprints, and recent expansions. Over 140 figures and tables support data-driven interpretation across sections ranging from product type, user demographics, and end-user care models to technology pipelines and manufacturing updates.

The report also maps future opportunities through investment patterns, emerging clinical needs, and supportive policy frameworks, especially for aging populations, pediatric nutrition, and remote healthcare models. With verified market intelligence, the report enables manufacturers, policymakers, and healthcare investors to identify growth zones, optimize resource allocation, and enhance device access across patient populations globally.