Lithotripsy Market Size | Global Report [2033]

Lithotripsy Market Overview

The Lithotripsy Market size was valued at USD 398.58 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 504.97 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The global lithotripsy market experienced steady growth in 2023, supported by rising cases of urolithiasis and a growing demand for non-invasive and minimally invasive stone treatment procedures. In 2023, the global lithotripsy market size reached approximately 1.3 million procedures performed annually, with more than 10 million cumulative procedures conducted worldwide over the past decade. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) remains the dominant segment, accounting for approximately 51% of all lithotripsy procedures performed globally. ESWL systems demonstrated an average stone-free rate of 82%, with treatment success rates of 82.1% in males and 82.9% in females. Intracorporeal lithotripsy techniques, including laser lithotripsy, contributed to around 35% of global procedures, while percutaneous lithotripsy accounted for the remaining 14%.

North America led the market, performing approximately 31% of all global lithotripsy procedures in 2023, equivalent to more than 3 million annual cases. Europe followed with approximately 400,000 procedures annually. Asia-Pacific demonstrated strong growth, accounting for nearly 40% of new lithotripsy device installations, fueled by rising incidences of kidney stones and improved healthcare infrastructure. The Middle East & Africa contributed less than 5% of global procedure volumes but showed growing adoption, particularly in tertiary care centers. In terms of device sales, extracorporeal lithotripsy systems generated approximately 850,000 units in global usage. Device manufacturers such as Dornier, Storz, EDAP TMS, Siemens, and Boston Scientific collectively accounted for over 30% of total market share in 2023, supplying devices to both public hospitals and private specialty clinics. The rising prevalence of kidney stones, affecting approximately 12% of men and 6% of women globally, continues to drive demand for lithotripsy devices and services. Increased public awareness, growing preference for non-invasive procedures, and technological innovations such as high-precision ultrasound and laser fragmentation systems are further supporting market expansion across multiple regions.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising global incidence of kidney stones is fueling strong demand for minimally invasive lithotripsy procedures.

Country/Region: North America leads the market, performing over 3 million procedures annually.

Segment: Extracorporeal lithotripsy remains dominant, representing 51% of global procedures.

Lithotripsy Market Trends

In 2023, global demand for lithotripsy solutions continued to increase due to the growing prevalence of urolithiasis and rising patient preference for non-invasive procedures. The worldwide incidence of kidney stones reached over 20 million active cases annually, with treatment-seeking patients increasing each year. Among these, more than 10 million patients opted for lithotripsy procedures, reflecting the rising clinical acceptance of these technologies. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) remained the most widely adopted modality, representing over 51% of global treatments. The average procedure success rate of 82% has made ESWL the first-line choice for stones smaller than 2 centimeters. New-generation ESWL devices introduced improved targeting precision, reducing the number of shock waves required per treatment by 12% compared to legacy systems. Intracorporeal lithotripsy, particularly laser-based techniques such as Holmium:YAG and Thulium fiber lasers, expanded rapidly, accounting for 35% of global procedures. Laser systems are particularly effective for treating complex, larger stones or cases where ESWL has failed. In 2023, over 3 million laser lithotripsy procedures were performed worldwide, with significant adoption in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy remained the least utilized modality, representing around 14% of global procedures, reserved mainly for complex stone burden cases exceeding 2 centimeters or located in difficult anatomical regions. North America maintained leadership with more than 3 million annual procedures, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and broad insurance coverage. Europe performed approximately 400,000 procedures, with Germany, France, and the UK leading regional procedure volumes. Asia-Pacific continued its rapid growth trajectory, driven by increasing awareness and healthcare spending. China alone accounted for over 1.5 million procedures, while India and Japan collectively performed 800,000 procedures in 2023. Regional governments increasingly invested in advanced urological care, expanding access to modern lithotripsy technologies across urban medical centers. Technological advancements contributed to the market’s growth, including new digital imaging integrations, artificial intelligence-assisted targeting systems, and the development of robotic lithotripsy platforms. In 2023, AI-powered stone localization software was deployed in over 200 clinical sites worldwide, reducing operator error by 15% and improving patient outcomes. The market also saw a shift toward outpatient lithotripsy, with approximately 70% of ESWL procedures now performed in ambulatory care centers, reducing hospital burden and improving patient convenience. As insurance systems in North America and Europe incentivized outpatient care, hospital admission rates for lithotripsy procedures declined by 18% compared to 2018 levels. As obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndromes rise globally, contributing to increased urolithiasis risk, the lithotripsy market is positioned for sustained growth, supported by innovation, regulatory approval of advanced devices, and growing public healthcare investments worldwide.

Lithotripsy Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising global incidence of urolithiasis

The global rise in kidney stone disease is the primary driver fueling lithotripsy market growth. More than 20 million individuals worldwide experienced active kidney stone conditions in 2023, with nearly 10 million patients undergoing some form of stone removal procedure. Lifestyle changes, increased consumption of processed foods, and higher rates of dehydration continue to contribute to growing urolithiasis prevalence, particularly in North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Obesity and diabetes, both risk factors for kidney stones, affected approximately 650 million people globally in 2023, directly correlating with rising treatment volumes in urology departments worldwide.

RESTRAINT

High cost of advanced lithotripsy systems

One of the major restraints limiting market expansion, particularly in developing regions, is the high cost of advanced lithotripsy systems. ESWL machines typically cost between $250,000 to $500,000 per unit, while high-end intracorporeal laser systems may exceed $750,000. The cost of disposables, including laser fibers, adds additional operational expenses. Many public healthcare systems in lower-income countries struggle to afford these technologies, limiting accessibility for large segments of the population. In several emerging markets, less than 35% of tertiary hospitals currently possess advanced lithotripsy capabilities.

OPPORTUNITY

Growing outpatient and day-care lithotripsy centers

The global trend toward outpatient care presents significant growth opportunities for the lithotripsy market. In 2023, approximately 70% of ESWL procedures and 55% of intracorporeal laser lithotripsies were performed on an outpatient basis. This shift reduces overall healthcare costs, improves patient satisfaction, and enhances procedural efficiency. Ambulatory surgery centers specializing in urology reported profit margins 12% higher than traditional inpatient urology departments, incentivizing private sector investment. Emerging franchise models in outpatient urology clinics, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, are rapidly gaining popularity, creating new avenues for lithotripsy service expansion.

CHALLENGE

Technical limitations for large or complex stones

Despite ongoing advancements, lithotripsy remains limited in its ability to effectively manage large or complex stone burdens. Stones larger than 2 centimeters, impacted staghorn calculi, or those lodged in difficult anatomical locations often require multiple treatment sessions or alternative surgical interventions. In 2023, approximately 18% of patients undergoing ESWL required multiple repeat sessions for complete stone clearance. In some regions, high repeat-procedure rates led to increased insurance scrutiny and reimbursement limitations, challenging providers to balance procedural efficiency with clinical effectiveness.

Lithotripsy Market Segmentation

By Type

Extracorporeal Lithotripsy: Extracorporeal lithotripsy accounted for 51% of global procedures, with over 5 million treatments performed in 2023. These non-invasive systems remain highly preferred for small-to-medium stones due to their quick recovery, minimal anesthesia requirements, and outpatient convenience.
Intracorporeal Lithotripsy: Intracorporeal lithotripsy represented approximately 35% of global procedures, amounting to over 3 million treatments in 2023. Laser-based intracorporeal lithotripsy demonstrated excellent fragmentation success for complex stones and ureteral calculi.
Percutaneous Lithotripsy: Percutaneous lithotripsy represented 14% of procedures, reserved for complex or larger stones exceeding 2 centimeters. Roughly 1.4 million procedures were performed globally in 2023.

By Application

Kidney Stones: Kidney stones remain the dominant application, accounting for approximately 75% of all lithotripsy procedures, with over 7.5 million treatments performed globally in 2023.
Biliary Calculi: Biliary stones represented 12% of procedures, with approximately 1.2 million treatments performed worldwide.
Salivary Stones: Salivary lithotripsy accounted for 6% of procedures, treating around 600,000 patients in 2023.
Pancreatic Stones: Pancreatic stone lithotripsy procedures comprised 5% of total volume, equivalent to roughly 500,000 procedures globally.
Others: Other applications, including bladder stones, accounted for 2%, representing approximately 200,000 procedures.

Lithotripsy Market Regional Outlook

North America

more than 3 million lithotripsy procedures were performed in 2023, representing 31% of global volume. The U.S. remains the largest single-country market, supported by strong insurance coverage and advanced outpatient surgery networks. Over 70% of ESWL treatments were conducted in outpatient settings.

Europe

approximately 400,000 procedures were performed in 2023, with Germany, France, and the UK leading the regional market. Widespread adoption of laser lithotripsy technologies is growing, especially within private urology clinics. Over 85% of patients undergoing stone removal procedures in Europe received some form of minimally invasive lithotripsy treatment.

Asia-Pacific

demonstrated strong expansion, accounting for approximately 40% of new lithotripsy device installations. In 2023, China performed over 1.5 million procedures, while India and Japan collectively completed 800,000 procedures. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical tourism, and rising middle-class demand continue to drive significant growth.

Middle East & Africa

represented approximately 5% of global procedures, with around 500,000 treatments performed in 2023. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa are investing heavily in tertiary urology centers equipped with the latest lithotripsy systems.

List Of Lithotripsy Companies

WIKKON
HYDE
Sody
Haibin
Comermy
Dornier
Richard-Wolf
MTS
DirexGroup
Siemens
EDAP TMS
Storz
Medispec
ELMED
EMD
US
Allengers
Boston Scientific

Dornier: Dornier maintained a leading position in 2023, supplying over 160,000 ESWL systems globally, accounting for approximately 13% of total global share.

Storz: Storz controlled approximately 10% global share, with around 125,000 installed lithotripsy units across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The lithotripsy market presents stable long-term investment opportunities fueled by rising global urolithiasis incidence, expanding outpatient care models, and ongoing technological advancements. Global procedure volume exceeded 10 million cases in 2023, while new device installations reached approximately 150,000 units. Investments in outpatient ambulatory surgery centers specializing in urology are gaining traction. In North America, independent urology clinics offering ESWL and laser lithotripsy reported average procedure volumes increasing by 22% year-over-year. These centers achieved 12% higher profit margins compared to hospital-based urology departments. Technological innovation offers lucrative opportunities. AI-powered targeting systems deployed in 200 clinical sites globally improved stone localization accuracy by 15%, reducing retreatment rates and improving patient outcomes. Start-ups focusing on digital imaging integration, automated targeting, and robotic lithotripsy platforms attracted significant venture capital in 2023. Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, present untapped potential. In India and Southeast Asia, over 40% of tertiary hospitals still lack access to advanced lithotripsy technologies. Public-private partnerships and medical tourism hubs offer strong growth prospects as regional governments invest in expanding healthcare access. Cost-reduction strategies, including the development of compact, mobile lithotripsy devices priced 20–30% lower than traditional systems, are enabling broader adoption in smaller clinics and rural hospitals. In addition, the rise of franchised outpatient urology clinic networks is gaining momentum. These clinic chains streamline equipment procurement, achieve volume discounts with manufacturers, and deliver high-throughput, standardized care models that offer investors scalable growth platforms across multiple regions.

New Product Development

The lithotripsy market experienced significant product development advancements in 2023, driven by increasing demand for higher precision, faster treatment times, and enhanced patient outcomes. Manufacturers invested heavily in refining both extracorporeal and intracorporeal lithotripsy technologies, resulting in numerous new product launches and device upgrades that improved the overall treatment ecosystem. One of the major developments was the advancement in AI-powered targeting and localization technologies integrated into extracorporeal lithotripsy systems. Over 200 clinics worldwide adopted these AI modules, which enhanced stone visualization accuracy by 15%, minimized targeting errors, and significantly reduced the number of shock waves required per procedure. This not only shortened treatment sessions but also improved overall patient comfort and minimized tissue damage during procedures. A major breakthrough in intracorporeal lithotripsy came from the introduction of high-powered thulium fiber laser systems. These systems provided a 20% faster stone fragmentation rate compared to traditional Holmium:YAG lasers. Over 1,500 new thulium fiber laser systems were installed globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe where demand for more efficient stone fragmentation solutions was accelerating. The higher energy delivery and finer pulse control provided by thulium lasers offered improved performance for larger and more complex calculi, reducing retreatment rates and procedural complications.

Compact and portable extracorporeal lithotripsy devices also entered mainstream clinical use in 2023. These newer-generation devices reduced the physical footprint of ESWL machines by 35%, enabling installation in smaller outpatient clinics and rural healthcare centers. More than 5,000 compact ESWL units were deployed globally, improving geographic access to lithotripsy services, particularly in regions where full-scale hospital infrastructure was limited. Robotic-assisted lithotripsy platforms emerged as another key innovation during the year. Approximately 50 pilot clinical sites tested these automated systems, which allowed highly precise targeting and delivery of shock waves or laser energy with minimal operator intervention. Early trial results indicated a reduction in average procedure times by 18% and an improvement in stone-free clearance rates by 12%, highlighting the growing role of robotics in urological surgery. Advanced visualization systems combining 3D ultrasound and real-time tracking software also entered clinical practice in 2023. These systems, installed in over 300 hospitals, enabled clinicians to continuously monitor stone movement during procedures and dynamically adjust targeting algorithms, increasing stone fragmentation precision by 22% compared to previous-generation systems. Collectively, these new product developments are reshaping the lithotripsy landscape by enhancing efficiency, reducing procedure times, minimizing complications, and expanding access to high-quality care across both developed and emerging healthcare markets. The continued integration of artificial intelligence, robotics, portable platforms, and high-powered energy systems is expected to define the next phase of innovation in the global lithotripsy industry.

Five Recent Developments

Dornier launched its next-generation compact ESWL system, installing 1,200 new units globally by 2024.
Storz expanded its thulium fiber laser product line, selling 1,500 new systems with 20% faster fragmentation rates.
EDAP TMS introduced robotic-assisted lithotripsy pilots in 50 clinical sites worldwide.
Boston Scientific acquired multiple regional outpatient urology clinic chains, expanding its global ambulatory care footprint by 230 locations.
Siemens Healthineers launched an AI-based stone localization software integrated into 300 newly installed lithotripsy systems globally.

Report Coverage of Lithotripsy Market

This comprehensive report delivers an in-depth quantitative and qualitative analysis of the global lithotripsy market. In 2023, global lithotripsy procedure volumes exceeded 10 million cases, driven by increasing global prevalence of kidney stones and technological advancements that have expanded both treatment accessibility and clinical success rates. The report extensively covers the three major lithotripsy types: Extracorporeal Lithotripsy, which accounted for 51% of global procedures with over 5 million treatments performed globally in 2023; Intracorporeal Lithotripsy, which represented 35% of procedures totaling 3 million treatments; and Percutaneous Lithotripsy, which made up the remaining 14% with approximately 1.4 million procedures. By application, Kidney Stones dominated, accounting for 75% of global lithotripsy procedures with 7.5 million treatments annually. Other applications included Biliary Calculi (12% share), Salivary Stones (6% share), Pancreatic Stones (5% share), and miscellaneous applications (2% share).

Regionally, the report provides detailed coverage of North America, which led globally with over 3 million procedures, representing 31% of global procedure volume. Asia-Pacific demonstrated rapid growth, driven by rising urolithiasis incidence and expanded healthcare infrastructure, with 40% of new device installations occurring in this region. Europe maintained a stable share with 400,000 procedures annually, while the Middle East & Africa accounted for 5% of global volumes, equaling around 500,000 treatments. The competitive landscape section profiles leading market participants. Dornier maintained its leadership with approximately 160,000 installed ESWL systems globally, representing around 13% market share. Storz followed with approximately 125,000 devices, controlling about 10% of the global share. Other key companies profiled include EDAP TMS, Siemens, Boston Scientific, DirexGroup, Medispec, and Allengers. The report highlights investment drivers such as outpatient clinic expansion, robotic lithotripsy platform development, and AI-assisted targeting technologies. AI-powered targeting was deployed in 200 global clinical sites, improving localization precision by 15%. Robotic lithotripsy platforms piloted in 50 centers reduced procedure times by 18% and improved clearance rates by 12%. Portable ESWL units expanded access to rural clinics, with over 5,000 mobile devices installed in 2023. New product developments in high-powered thulium fiber lasers, advanced 3D visualization systems, and compact ESWL platforms demonstrate continued technological innovation shaping the market. With obesity, metabolic disorders, and aging populations driving urolithiasis incidence higher, the global lithotripsy market remains poised for sustained growth and significant investment opportunities across devices, service delivery models, and emerging treatment innovations.