Surgical Retractors Market — By Product Type, By Usage, By Surgery Type, By Material, By End Use, Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Surgical Retractors Market Size

The global surgical retractors market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to exhibit growth at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2034 period. The notable growth of the market can be explained by the surgical techniques advancements combined with the high demand for specialized retractors, increased spending in the healthcare sector, and the constant growth of infrastructure. These are some of the key factors that have contributed to the overall situation.
 

Additionally, as the population ages and faces a rise in chronic diseases and trauma injuries, the demand for surgical procedures continues to grow. For instance, chronic conditions caused 71% of deaths around the world in 2022, where cardiovascular diseases alone caused nearly 18 million deaths yearly. (Source: World Health Organization (WHO)) The United Nations predicts that those over 65 will reach 1.5 billion by the year 2050, accounting for around 16% of the global population. This rise in surgical procedures has led to an increased demand for surgical retractors, essential tools that ensure clear visibility and access to surgical sites.
 

The focus on the introduction of specialized instruments to perform surgical procedures, which are minimally invasive, has increased the demand for advanced retractors. These retractors result in patients receiving better outcomes through increased control and precision. New materials and designs are improving the usefulness of retractors in modern surgery.
 

Surgical retractors are designed for abducting tissues, organs, or formations during operations, which visibly improves the control as well as the access to the area being operated. They are critical to forming a distinct and consistent operational zone while minimizing the chances of inadvertent harm to the adjacent tissues.
 

Surgical Retractors Market Trends

• The market for surgical retractors is expanding as a result of innovation in retractors, increased use of disposable retractors, higher demand for advanced materials and technologies, and increasing adoption of smart surgical instruments among other factors that fuel industry growth.
   
• The increased use of minimally invasive surgeries that need specialized and smaller retractors is facilitating the growth of the market. These specialized retractors help in gaining access to the target site of surgery while causing the least harm to other tissues, which helps patients recover quicker and reduce the time spent in the hospital.
   
• Manufacturers of retractors have also shifted their focus to ergonomic features, which not only reduce the fatigue a surgeon experiences but also improves accuracy. Such factors are influencing the growing use of retractors.
   
• There is also a rising demand for specialized, customized retractors designed for specific surgical procedures. These customized instruments make surgeries more efficient and improve patient outcomes, which is boosting market growth.
   

Surgical Retractors Market Analysis

In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 1.9 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 2 billion, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 2.1 billion. Based on product type, the market is classified into self-retaining retractors, table-mounted retractors, handheld retractors, accessories, and wire retractors. The self-retaining retractors segment generated the highest revenue of USD 900.5 million in 2024.
 

• Surgeons find it easier and more efficient to work as self-retaining retractors reduce the need for extra hands. These retractors hold tissues or organs in place without requiring manual assistance, making additional help unnecessary.
   
• Manual retraction often causes staff fatigue. Along with manual retraction, staff also feel tired due to the physical effort involved. However, with better comfort and precision in their tasks, staff can work for longer periods, improving their efficiency and reducing fatigue.
   
• Surgeons are increasingly using these tools in specialized fields like orthopedics, cardiology, and neurosurgery, where clarity and stability are particularly important. The versatility of these tools, which can be adapted to different surgical needs, is driving the growth of this segment.
   

Based on usage, the surgical retractors market is classified into reusable and disposable. The reusable segment accounted for USD 2 billion in market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% between the 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• Utilizing reusable retractors enables healthcare professionals to achieve significant cost reductions. These savings arise from the capacity to sterilize and utilize these instruments multiple times. This strategy proves to be economically advantageous for hospitals and surgical centers that perform a high volume of surgeries, as it eliminates the necessity of incurring repeated expenses for costly disposable instruments.
   
• Reusable retractors help hospitals follow environmentally sustainable practices by reducing medical waste. Their durable design makes them more environmentally friendly compared to disposable retractors and other instruments.
   

Based on surgery type, the surgical retractors market is classified into abdominal surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, head, neck, and spinal surgery, obstetric and gynecological surgery, urological surgery, aesthetic surgery, and other surgery types. The abdominal surgery segment dominated the market in 2024 with a market share of 26.4%.
 

• The number of surgeries performed for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, and cancer is increasing. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), 0.3 million bariatric surgeries were conducted in the U.S. in 2021. Obesity is a major risk factor for several serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
   
• According to the American Cancer Society, around 153,020 new colorectal cancer cases were estimated to be observed in 2023, with an expected increase to 156,140 in 2024. Surgical removal of cancerous tissue is one of the most commonly adopted treatments for various types of cancers, including gastric cancer. These surgeries require clear internal organ access, making retractors necessary to provide sufficient exposure during the operation.
   
• The precision required for abdominal surgeries makes them complex. For these complex procedures, self-retaining and specialized retractors are essential to maintain proper positioning of tissues, organs, and the abdominal wall. This enables more precise execution of the surgery. This is expected to boost the segmental growth of the market.
   

Based on material, the surgical retractors market is classified into stainless steel, titanium, and other materials. The stainless steel segment generated the highest revenue of USD 1.5 billion in 2024.
 

• The toughness and anti-deforming properties of stainless steel make it perfect for the fabrication of surgical retractors. It can endure the mechanical burden of being used and reused countless times which provides the utensils longevity even during harsh surgical procedures. With this kind of durability, stainless steel retractors are guaranteed to function over long periods of time.
   
• In addition, one of the remarkable characteristics of stainless steel is its ability to resist corrosion, more so in the presence of fluids from the human body and subsequent rounds of sterilization. This characteristic makes stainless steel retractors ideal for use in medicine, where cleanliness and sterility are of utmost importance, since they can withstand rounds of sterilization without leading to deterioration, which, in turn, increases growth in that segment.

Based on end use, the surgical retractors market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, specialty clinics, and other end users. The hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024 with a share of 48.2% and is anticipated to reach USD 1.9 billion by the end of the forecast period.
 

• The worldwide increase in the number of patients undergoing surgeries has put enormous pressure on the hospitals to supply surgical retractors. This is particularly true for surgical centers with high surgical caseloads, as they need dependable retractors of good quality for successful achievement of various surgical procedures.
   
• Furthermore, most of the hospitals have financial constraints and are therefore looking for solutions that help them save money. These institutions can make use of long-lasting reusable surgical retractors which provide economical benefits over time. While disposable retractors may reduce initial costs, investing in durable and high-quality retractors helps hospitals recover their expenses over time.

The U.S. surgical retractors market accounted for USD 762.7 million market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% between the 2025 to 2034 period.
 

• The U.S. has an extensive and multifaceted healthcare system with high annual volumes of surgeries performed which breaks down into both elective and emergency, hence, increasing the demand for surgical retractors. Hospitals and outpatient surgery centers are experiencing a growing need for various types of surgical retractors due to the rising number of surgeries performed.
   
• Additionally, the country has some of the most advanced healthcare services, and the market reflects this. Innovations such as ergonomic features, lightweight materials, and integrated technology retractors are changing the dynamics of the market. This helps in improving the efficiency and accuracy of the surgeries which morbidities and complications lower the better the patient outcome.
   

The surgical retractors market in Germany, within the Europe region, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
 

• The healthcare facilities including specialized hospitals and surgical centers are particularly well developed in Germany. The country is well known for its advanced and mature healthcare system. This leads to a high demand for surgical instruments, particularly retractors, needed for simple and intricate surgeries alike.
   
• Germany, like many other developed countries, has been experiencing the gradual implementation of minimally invasive surgical procedures. Such procedures generally require retractors that are capable of providing maximum exposure through small incisions. The demand for these has been steadily increasing as more and more surgical and hospital centers adopt laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic assisted surgeries.
   

Japan holds a dominant position in the Asia Pacific surgical retractors market.
 

• Japan's aging population is growing rapidly, leading to an increase in age-related health issues like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, citizens aged 65 and above constituted 29.1% of the population in 2021, reaching 29.9% in 2023. The National Cancer Center Japan reported 1.02 million new cancer cases in 2022, with surgical interventions required in approximately 60% of cases.
   
• Additionally, the Japanese Orthopedic Association documented over 185,000 joint replacement surgeries in 2023, marking a 12% increase from 2021. This demographic trend has elevated the demand for joint replacements, cancer surgeries, and cardiovascular procedures, consequently increasing the need for surgical retractors.
   

Surgical Retractors Market Share

The market is highly competitive, with several key players dominating the global market. Major companies focus on product innovation, offering a variety of retractors designed for different surgical specialties. Key players include manufacturers like INTEGRA, B BRAUN, Medtronic, Stryker, and CooperSurgical, are contributing more than 55% of market share. Competition is driven by advancements in surgical technology, such as the development of ergonomic, lightweight, and minimally invasive retractors, as well as a strong emphasis on compliance with regulatory standards. These companies also focus on expanding their product portfolios and enhancing customer relationships through partnerships and acquisitions.
 

Surgical Retractors Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the surgical retractors industry include:

• B BRAUN
• BR SURGICAL
• CooperSurgical
• GLOBUS MEDICAL
• HENRY SCHEIN
• INNOMED
• INTEGRA
• Mediflex
• MEDLINE
• Medtronic
• Sklar
• Stryker
• Teleflex
• TERUMO
• Thompson Retractor
   
• Medtronic manufactures precision retractors for surgical procedures across various fields. These retractors are known for their ease of use and high durability. Medtronic’s products offer innovative solutions to improve visual access and reduce tissue damage, helping surgeons achieve better surgical outcomes.
   
• Stryker produces ergonomic retractors that can be customized for the operator's comfort and to enhance productivity during complex surgeries. Known for their reliable and durable instruments, Stryker uses advanced technology to provide effective and time-efficient surgical access. This makes Stryker instruments a preferred choice for new surgical procedures.
   
• Teleflex designs high-quality modular surgical retractors to improve surgical efficiency and help patients recover faster. Teleflex’s products are recognized for their advanced materials and precision engineering, which are essential for delicate surgical procedures.
   

Surgical Retractors Industry News

• In January 2025, JUNE MEDICAL and Aspen Surgical announced a strategic collaboration to distribute the Galaxy II retractor system across the U.S. market. This partnership used Aspen Surgical’s large sales network to increase access to JUNE MEDICAL’s innovative Galaxy II retractor system. The system had already made important advancements in retraction for various specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, and gynecology. The collaboration aimed to improve the market presence and drive growth for both companies.
   
• In August 2024, CooperSurgical announced that it had acquired obp Surgical, a U.S.-based medical device company, for about USD 100 million. The acquisition included obp Surgical’s range of single-use cordless surgical retractors and suction devices, which generated about USD 14.5 million in trailing twelve-month revenue. This strategic acquisition is expected to improve the company’s product portfolio, with positive long-term financial effects expected beyond fiscal 2024.
   
• In April 2023, Orthofix Medical Inc. announced the launch of two access retractor systems designed to help surgeons in minimally invasive spine (MIS) procedures. The Lattus Lateral Access System and the Fathom Pedicle-Based Retractor System expanded the company’s portfolio of access solutions. This launch helped Orthofix strengthen its market presence in the growing MIS segment, potentially increasing sales and improving its reputation for innovative surgical solutions.
   

The surgical retractors market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Self-retaining retractors
• Table-mounted retractors
• Handheld retractors
• Accessories
• Wire retractors

Market, By Usage

• Reusable
• Disposable

Market, By Surgery Type

• Abdominal surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Cardiothoracic surgery
• Head, neck, and spinal surgery
• Obstetric and gynecological surgery
• Urological surgery
• Aesthetic surgery
• Other surgery types

Market, By Material

• Stainless steel
• Titanium
• Other materials

Market, By End Use

• Hospitals
• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Specialty clinics
• Other end use

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE