Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 10, 2025 – Global Nephrostomy Bags Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 1.5 Billion by 2033 from US$ 1.0 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.
The global demand for nephrostomy bags is witnessing steady growth, driven by the rising incidence of kidney-related disorders and the growing number of urological procedures worldwide. Nephrostomy bags are external drainage systems used for temporary urine collection in patients with blocked ureters, commonly due to kidney stones, tumors, or post-surgical complications.
These devices are essential in managing urinary obstructions by allowing continuous drainage directly from the kidney. They are primarily used in hospitals, specialty clinics, and home healthcare settings. The growing geriatric population, combined with an increase in chronic conditions such as hydronephrosis, has contributed to the expanding utilization of nephrostomy drainage systems.
Recent advancements in bag design, including anti-reflux valves, soft tubing, and skin-friendly adhesive materials, have improved patient comfort and reduced infection risk. Furthermore, the growing preference for home-based care is encouraging the adoption of user-friendly, sterile nephrostomy bags designed for long-term use.
Healthcare providers and manufacturers are focusing on developing cost-effective, leak-proof systems with better fluid handling capacity and improved drainage mechanisms. In addition, supportive government healthcare policies and increasing awareness regarding urological health are expected to further support market expansion. As per clinical trends, the nephrostomy bag market is positioned to play a critical role in improving urinary drainage outcomes, especially for patients undergoing palliative or reconstructive urological care.
Key Takeaways
- The global nephrostomy bags market was valued at USD 1.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2034, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period.
- In 2024, the sterile nephrostomy bags segment dominated the market, accounting for 85.02% of the total revenue share, reflecting a strong preference for infection-controlled solutions.
- The disposable product category led the global market with a 78.12% revenue share, driven by growing demand for single-use, hygienic drainage systems.
- Based on capacity, the 500–1000 ml segment emerged as the leading size category, contributing 55.55% of the global market revenue, due to its optimal balance between patient convenience and fluid management.
- By material, the PVC and PU-based nephrostomy bags segment held the largest share, capturing 45.15% of total market revenue, attributed to their flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility.
- Among end-users, the hospitals and clinics segment led the global market, accounting for 56.22% of the revenue share, supported by high patient footfall and the availability of advanced urological care infrastructure.
Segmentation Analysis
- Type Analysis: The nephrostomy bags market is segmented into sterile and non-sterile types. In 2024, the sterile segment led with an 85.02% revenue share. This dominance is driven by the increasing prevalence of kidney stones, hydronephrosis, and urological cancers, particularly among older adults. Sterile products are preferred due to infection control, better patient safety, and improved outcomes. Design improvements such as anti-reflux valves and biocompatible materials further enhance their adoption in hospitals and homecare settings.
- Usage Analysis: By usage, the market is classified into disposable and reusable nephrostomy bags. In 2024, disposable bags held a dominant share of 78.12%. Their popularity stems from convenience, reduced maintenance, and infection prevention, especially in homecare and short-term clinical use. These products eliminate sterilization needs and offer leak-proof, secure systems. Their cost-efficiency and ease of use make them a practical choice for both patients and healthcare facilities, supporting their widespread acceptance.
- Capacity Analysis: The nephrostomy bags market is segmented by capacity into 100–500 ml, 500–1000 ml, and above 1000 ml. In 2024, the 500–1000 ml segment led the market with a 55.55% share. This range offers an ideal balance between portability and capacity, supporting longer use without frequent emptying. It suits both ambulatory and bedridden patients, making it highly suitable for hospital and home environments. The segment’s adaptability supports efficient urine drainage and patient mobility.
- Material Analysis: Based on material, the market is divided into PVC and PU, silicone, and others. The PVC and PU segment held the largest share at 45.15% in 2024. These materials are favored for their strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility, particularly in single-use medical applications. Their infection-preventing properties and ease of disposal align with growing demand for safe, hygienic drainage solutions. Innovations focused on improving recyclability and comfort will likely sustain the dominance of PVC and PU bags.
- End-User Analysis: The end-user segmentation includes hospitals & clinics, homecare, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. In 2024, hospitals and clinics accounted for 56.22% of market revenue. This is attributed to their capacity for continuous monitoring, advanced urological care, and use of single-use bags for infection control. These settings manage high-risk and long-term patients, ensuring optimal nephrostomy bag usage. Skilled personnel and adherence to clinical protocols further solidify their leading role in this segment.
Market Segments
Type
- Sterile
- Non-sterile
Usage
- Disposable
- Reusable
Capacity
- 100-500 ml
- 500-1000 ml
- Above 1000 ml
Material
- PVC and PU
- Silicone
- Others
End-User
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Homecare
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers
- Others
Regional Analysis
North America led the nephrostomy bags market in 2024, supported by a robust healthcare infrastructure, high prevalence of urological disorders, and growing adoption of advanced medical technologies. The United States, in particular, reports a significant burden of kidney stones, bladder cancer, and related conditions, increasing the need for nephrostomy procedures and drainage solutions.
Favorable reimbursement frameworks and extensive health insurance coverage enhance patient access to nephrostomy devices across clinical settings. Additionally, the strong presence of key manufacturers such as Becton Dickinson and Boston Scientific has accelerated product innovation and availability. Continued investment in research and development, coupled with supportive regulatory pathways for medical devices, further strengthens the region’s leadership. These factors collectively contribute to North America’s dominant position in the global nephrostomy bags market.
Emerging Trends
- Rising Demand Driven by Urolithiasis: The growth of nephrostomy procedures can be attributed to the increasing incidence of kidney stones worldwide. In 2019, more than 115 million new cases of urolithiasis were recorded globally, up from prior decades, highlighting a clear upward trend in patients requiring percutaneous nephrostomy for drainage and relief of obstruction.
- Shift to Ultrasound-Guided Placement: The use of ultrasound guidance during nephrostomy tube insertion has been increasingly adopted to reduce radiation exposure and improve procedural safety. In percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), ultrasound-only access has been shown to maintain clinical efficacy while lowering fluoroscopy time, aligning with WHO recommendations for minimizing patient and staff radiation dose.
- Adoption of “Tubeless” PCNL Techniques: A growing number of centers are using hemostatic sealants to close the nephrostomy tract without leaving a drainage tube in uncomplicated PCNL cases. Tubeless approaches have been associated with less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery, and are becoming standard practice where feasible.
- Antimicrobial-Impregnated Systems to Reduce Infections: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain a concern, especially with long-term use. Antimicrobial or chlorhexidine-impregnated nephrostomy catheters and bag systems are being introduced to lower infection rates. Single-use infection risk is under 10% per catheterization but can approach 100% in prolonged cases, underscoring the need for infection-preventive innovations.
Use Cases
- Drainage Post-Stone Removal (PCNL): Following percutaneous nephrolithotomy for kidney stones, nephrostomy bags are routinely used to drain urine and collect fragments. In one clinical series, stone-free rates were 79% when PCNL was performed alone and 88.4% when auxiliary procedures were added. Average hospital stay ranged from 2 to 4 days, illustrating the critical role of external drainage in optimizing patient outcomes.
- Relief of Ureteral Obstruction: Nephrostomy tubes provide rapid relief when the ureter is narrowed, blocked, or inflamed—common in patients with malignancies or fibrosis. According to the NIH, nephrostomy is indicated in obstructive uropathy to preserve kidney function and prevent complications such as hydronephrosis and infection.
- Management of Catheter-Associated Infections: In cases of complicated urinary tract infections or high-risk patients, nephrostomy bags allow for controlled drainage and easier catheter changes. Although CAUTI rates are typically below 10% after a single catheterization, they can reach up to 100% in long-term catheter users, highlighting the use of nephrostomy drainage systems as both therapeutic and preventive tools.
Conclusion
The global nephrostomy bags market is positioned for sustained growth, driven by rising urological disorders, an aging population, and advances in drainage system technology. The strong preference for sterile, disposable, and medium-capacity bags reflects clinical demand for hygiene, safety, and ease of use.
North America leads the market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high disease prevalence. Emerging innovations, such as antimicrobial-impregnated systems and ultrasound-guided procedures, are enhancing patient outcomes. With increasing adoption in both hospital and homecare settings, nephrostomy bags are expected to remain vital in urological care, especially for post-operative management and obstruction relief.
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