New Technologies Drive Hernia Repair Market

These are the latest findings of Kalorama Information (New York, NY, USA), an independent market research firm.

Biosynthetic mesh procedures provide benefits such as better a patient experience, greater resistance to infections and rapid tissue growth. These meshes, made up of silicone, rubber, polypropylene, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), create a protective layer that comes in contact with the intestine. Former developments include the laparoscopic repair method, widely adopted by 2000, which reduces invasiveness by patching hernias from the inside. Although once widely criticized for its high recurrence rate, continuing development of this procedure has led to a current near-zero rate of recurrence.

An important recent development is the perfection of the T-shaped prosthesis, composed of silicone and polypropylene, which reduces the development of incisional hernias, often caused by previous surgery. While the current average occurrence rate for incisional hernia cases is 15% - 20%, the use of T-shaped prosthesis is expected to reduce this figure to 3% - 4%. As a result, high-risk individuals with factors such as old age, previous surgery, obesity, and smoking, previously excluded from treatment, are expected to increase the number of hernia repair operations. In preparation, major industry players are preparing new products for this growing market.

"Biomesh and no-recurrence laparoscopy are not just small improvements, they are significant innovations,” said Bruce Carlson, the publisher of Kalorama Information. "There is a ton of innovation occurring in this market to meet the increasing demand for better quality.”

According to the Kalorama Information report, these new technologies will expand market sales to US$4.1 billion by 2012.

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