Bowel Management Systems Market

The Global Market For Bowel Management Systems is estimated to reach USD 2.07 billion by 2023, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. Several key factors contribute to the growth of this market, including an expanding target patient population, the rapid increase in the geriatric population, the availability of technologically advanced bowel management products, and favorable reimbursement policies in developed countries. Bowel or fecal incontinence refers to the inability of patients to control their bowel movements, resulting in the involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool. This condition can be caused by factors such as diarrhea, constipation, weak muscle tone controlling the anus opening, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and nerve damage. Bowel management systems are clinical devices used to manage bowel activity.

The colostomy bags segment is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period and is projected to account for the largest share of the bowel management systems market.

In terms of patient type, the adult patients segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period.

The bowel management systems market is primarily driven by the adult patient segment, which is estimated to hold a larger share. Fecal incontinence (FI) can affect individuals of all age groups, but it is more prevalent in middle-aged and older adults due to the higher incidence of neurologic diseases and weaker muscle tone. Women are at a higher risk of FI compared to men, primarily due to the potential anal sphincter injuries during childbirth.

The home care segment is projected to grow at a higher compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the significant usage and increasing adoption of bowel management products in home care settings, the need for regular device replacement, and the rising prevalence of chronic disorders that require ongoing management.

The Rest of the World (RoW) region is expected to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The RoW includes countries in Latin America (such as Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Chile), the Middle East (including Egypt, Iran, Turkey, and Iraq), and Africa (including South Africa, Egypt, Ghana, and Nigeria). The growth in this region can be attributed to factors like the expanding target patient population, ongoing healthcare infrastructure development, and initiatives aimed at improving patient awareness about bowel management systems.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Favorable reimbursement scenario in developed countries

During the study period, the demand for bowel management products is anticipated to grow positively in developed countries due to their favorable reimbursement scenarios.

Restraint:  Patient preference for non-invasive clinical management of FI

At present, fecal incontinence (FI) can be managed through invasive (surgical) or non-invasive methods. Surgical treatments commonly include procedures such as injecting biomaterials into the anal canal, radiofrequency treatment of the anal canal, surgical repair of anal muscle injuries, sacral nerve stimulation, artificial bowel sphincter, muscle transposition to strengthen the anal sphincter, and the creation of a stoma. These treatment options often require long-term patient rehabilitation and can be highly inconvenient, causing severe pain in some cases.

Consequently, there has been a growing preference for non-invasive approaches in managing fecal incontinence (FI). These approaches include the use of disposable products, medications, dietary and life changes, exercise, biofeedback, bowel training, transanal irrigation, antegrade colonic irrigation, and electrical stimulation. Surgeons also consider these non-invasive treatment alternatives as the first line of treatment. However, the significant adoption and patient preference for non-invasive options are anticipated to hinder the optimal growth of the bowel management systems market during the forecast period.

Challenge:  Underreporting of FI

Fecal incontinence is a prevalent medical condition among the elderly population and women worldwide. Geriatric women, in particular, face a higher risk of FI due to damage to the anal sphincter during pregnancy and childbirth. However, many patients experiencing FI are hesitant to report their condition due to feelings of embarrassment. Additionally, healthcare professionals may not adequately inquire about FI due to insufficient training on the latest treatment options for this condition.

Hence, the reluctance of patients to report fecal incontinence is expected to act as a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of bowel management systems in different regions during the study period.

This report categorizes the global bowel management systems market into the following segments and sub-segments:
By Product
• Irrigation Systems
• Nerve Modulation Devices
• Colostomy Bags
• Other Products and Accessories*

By Patient Type
• Adult
• Pediatric

By End User
• Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers
• Home Care

By Region
• North America
o US
o Canada
• Europe
o Germany
o France
o UK
o Italy
o Spain
o Rest of Europe (RoE)
• Asia Pacific
o Japan
o China
o India
o Rest of Asia Pacific (RoAPAC)
• Rest of the World (RoW)
o Latin America
o Middle East and Africa

Key Market Players
The major players in the bowel management systems market include Coloplast (Denmark), Medtronic (Ireland), Hollister (US), and ConvaTec (UK).

Coloplast is a company that specializes in developing and marketing healthcare products and services, catering to various customer segments such as hospitals, institutions, wholesalers, and retailers. It operates through four segments: Ostomy Care, Urology Care, Continence Care, and Wound & Skin Care. Coloplast offers bowel irrigation products under the brand Peristeen through its Continence Care segment. The company also provides ostomy care products under the brands Brava, SenSura, SenSura Mio, and Assura. With a diverse product portfolio, Coloplast is able to meet the varying needs of its customers and capture a significant share in the bowel management products market.

Recent developments by these key players include:

• In 2018, Coloplast acquired IncoCare, a provider of continence products, which expanded its presence in Germany.
• Axonics received marketing approval for its Axonics Sacral Neuromodulation System in Australia in 2018.
• Coloplast expanded its product portfolio in 2018 by introducing SenSura Mio Concave, a new product in its SenSura Mio line.
• In 2016, ConvaTec entered into an agreement with Vizient, Inc., granting members of Vizient access to ConvaTec's stoma care, bowel management, and patient skincare products.
• Also in 2016, a German court upheld ConvaTec's patent protection on the Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System, ordering a competitor to cease placing its infringing product in the market, recall already distributed products, and compensate ConvaTec.