Acute Cholecystitis Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Calculous Acute Cholecystitis v/s Acalculous Acute Cholecystitis) By Cause (Gall Bladder Stones, Tumor, Bile Duct Blockage, Microbial Infection, Others) By Diagnostic Procedure (Ultrasonography, Cholescintigraphy, CT Scan, ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), Others) By Treatment (Surgical v/s Non-Surgical) By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Others) By Region 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.64 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.93%
Fastest Growing Segment	Surgical
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.73 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Acute Cholecystitis Market will grow from USD 2.64 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.73 Billion by 2031 at a 5.93% CAGR. Acute cholecystitis is defined as the inflammation of the gallbladder, predominantly caused by the obstruction of the cystic duct by gallstones, requiring prompt diagnostic assessment and therapeutic intervention. The global market for its management is fundamentally driven by the rising incidence of gallstone disease, which correlates strongly with an aging global population and the increasing prevalence of obesity. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomy, significantly supports market growth by improving patient recovery times and clinical outcomes.

However, a notable challenge impeding market efficiency is the diagnostic uncertainty associated with standard imaging modalities, which can lead to delayed treatment and increased complication rates. This limitation in initial diagnostic precision highlights a critical gap in patient care pathways. According to the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in 2024, the median sensitivity of abdominal ultrasound for diagnosing suspected acute cholecystitis was reported to be 73%. This statistical evidence underscores the necessity for advanced diagnostic solutions to overcome the limitations of current standard-of-care imaging.

Key Market Drivers

The rising prevalence of gallstones and gallbladder disorders constitutes the primary engine for market revenue, directly correlating with the increasing volume of cholecystectomy procedures globally. This trend is significantly amplified by demographic shifts and lifestyle factors, particularly obesity, which predispose larger population segments to biliary pathology. As the patient pool expands, healthcare systems are compelled to scale their management capabilities for acute presentations, ensuring a continuous demand for diagnostic assessments and therapeutic interventions. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), October 2025, in the 'Estimating global prevalence of gallbladder stones in general population from 2000 to 2024' systematic review, the overall global prevalence of gallbladder stones was established at 5.86% across the general population. This substantial baseline of disease incidence guarantees a consistent stream of patients requiring acute care, thereby reinforcing the market's stability and long-term growth trajectory.

Simultaneously, the widespread adoption of laparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomy is reshaping the therapeutic landscape, driving market value through the utilization of advanced surgical devices and instrumentation. Minimally invasive techniques have become the standard of care due to their ability to reduce hospital stays and minimize post-operative complications, encouraging higher procedural throughput. According to Intuitive Surgical, January 2025, in the 'Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results', the volume of procedures performed with da Vinci systems, which heavily support general surgery indications, increased by approximately 17% in 2024 compared to the previous year. While advanced technologies propel growth, economic factors remain influential; according to the American College of Surgeons, April 2025, in the 'Robotic Cholecystectomy Incurs More Disposable Cost than Laparoscopic with Similar Outcomes' study, the median cost of disposable items for robotic cholecystectomy was reported at $1,309, significantly higher than the $534 observed for traditional laparoscopic approaches. This financial distinction highlights the market's segmentation between high-volume standard procedures and premium, technology-driven interventions.

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Key Market Challenges

Based on the overview provided, the significant challenge hampering the growth of the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market is the diagnostic uncertainty associated with standard imaging modalities. This lack of initial precision creates a critical bottleneck in the patient care pathway, often resulting in hesitation regarding the necessity of immediate surgical intervention. When first-line imaging tools such as abdominal ultrasound fail to provide a definitive diagnosis, clinicians may opt for conservative management or delay treatment rather than proceeding with a cholecystectomy, which is the primary revenue-generating procedure in this market. This delay not only stalls market momentum but also increases the burden on healthcare systems through prolonged hospital stays and inefficient resource utilization.

The impact of this diagnostic ambiguity is evident in the high rates of treatment failure among those initially managed non-surgically due to inconclusive findings. According to the American College of Surgeons, in 2024, data indicated that 78% of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of acute cholecystitis who were discharged without surgical consultation eventually required emergent readmission for cholecystectomy. This statistic illustrates a severe inefficiency in the market, where the inability to accurately diagnose and treat the condition at the index visit leads to disjointed care and missed opportunities for timely therapeutic intervention. Consequently, this cycle of misdiagnosis and readmission restricts the streamlined adoption of surgical solutions, directly impeding the overall expansion of the market.

Key Market Trends

The emergence of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage (EUS-GBD), particularly utilizing Lumen-Apposing Metal Stents (LAMS), is transforming the management of acute cholecystitis in patients deemed unfit for surgery. This approach offers a minimally invasive alternative to percutaneous cholecystostomy, addressing the needs of high-risk elderly or comorbid populations who cannot undergo standard cholecystectomy. Unlike traditional surgical volume growth, this trend represents a qualitative shift in managing non-operative candidates, reducing the reliance on external drains and improving quality of life by internalizing biliary drainage. According to Diagnostics, February 2024, in the 'EUS-Guided Gallbladder Drainage Using a Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent for Acute Cholecystitis' study, the technical success rate for LAMS placement in high-risk patients was reported at 94%, significantly validating its efficacy as a therapeutic standard for this specific demographic.

Simultaneously, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into diagnostic imaging is establishing a new standard for early and accurate detection, directly countering the limitations of conventional ultrasound. By employing machine learning algorithms to automate gallbladder segmentation and pathology recognition, healthcare providers can overcome the inter-operator variability and low sensitivity that characterize standard-of-care imaging. This technological evolution facilitates earlier intervention decisions, streamlining the transition from diagnosis to treatment and mitigating the risks of delayed care caused by inconclusive scans. According to the Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, February 2024, in the 'Usage of Artificial Intelligence in Gallbladder Segmentation to Diagnose Acute Cholecystitis' study, the implementation of specific AI models achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 84.09%, offering a superior alternative to the lower sensitivity rates often observed in traditional manual ultrasonography.

Segmental Insights

The Surgical segment represents the fastest growing category in the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market, primarily due to the clinical shift toward definitive management. Physicians increasingly prioritize laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent recurrent gallstone complications, establishing it as the gold standard of care. This approach is supported by guidelines from organizations like the World Society of Emergency Surgery, which advocate for early operative intervention to enhance patient safety. Consequently, the demand for surgical solutions continues to rise as healthcare systems focus on reducing long-term morbidity and hospital readmissions associated with non-operative treatments.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global acute cholecystitis market driven by the high prevalence of gallstone disease and associated lifestyle disorders such as obesity. This dominance is supported by a well-established healthcare infrastructure that ensures widespread access to laparoscopic surgeries and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the region benefits from favorable reimbursement policies and the proactive role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in approving innovative medical devices. These elements, combined with the strong presence of key industry players, reinforce the market position of North America.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Moon Surgical received FDA 510(k) clearance for the commercial version of its Maestro System, a robotic surgical assistant designed to augment soft tissue procedures. The system is specifically engineered to support surgeons during high-volume laparoscopy, such as gallbladder removal, by providing stable instrument holding and improved workflow control without the complexity of larger robotic systems. This development is significant for the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market as it broadens the accessibility of robotic assistance for routine cholecystectomies, allowing healthcare providers to optimize surgical services and enhance the precision of treatments for acute gallbladder conditions.
• In April 2024, the European Commission granted marketing authorization to Pfizer for its novel antibiotic combination, Emblaveo (aztreonam-avibactam), for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) in adult patients. This approval offers a critical new therapeutic option for the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market, specifically for managing severe bacterial infections associated with the biliary tract that are caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The authorization was based on data from Phase 3 clinical trials which demonstrated the drug's safety and efficacy, addressing a significant unmet medical need for patients suffering from complicated infections where limited treatment options were previously available.
• In April 2024, Levita Magnetics announced the first commercial deployment of its MARS Surgical System at a private hospital in the United States, following its regulatory clearance. This innovative platform combines magnetic retraction with robotic assistance to facilitate less invasive abdominal surgeries, including cholecystectomy, by reducing the number of required incisions and improving surgical visualization. The system’s deployment marks a notable advancement in the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market, as it provides surgeons with a new tool to perform high-volume gallbladder procedures with enhanced efficiency and potentially reduced postoperative pain for patients compared to traditional laparoscopic methods.
• In March 2024, Intuitive Surgical announced that it had received FDA 510(k) clearance for its fifth-generation robotic system, the da Vinci 5. This new platform was launched with significant enhancements, including first-of-its-kind force-sensing technology, improved 3D visualization, and superior ergonomics, which are designed to increase surgeon autonomy and precision. These advancements are particularly relevant to the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market, as the system enables more precise dissection and tissue handling during cholecystectomy procedures. The introduction of this technology is expected to improve patient outcomes and recovery times for individuals undergoing minimally invasive surgery for gallbladder inflammation and related biliary conditions.

Key Market Players

• Boston Scientific Corporation
• Fresenius Kabi AG
• Pfizer Inc
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Simulab Corporation
• AbbVie Inc.
• Fortimedix Surgical BV

By Type	By Cause	By Diagnostic Procedure	By Treatment	By End User	By Region
Calculous Acute Cholecystitis v/s Acalculous Acute Cholecystitis	Gall Bladder Stones Tumor Bile Duct Blockage Microbial Infection Others	Ultrasonography Cholescintigraphy CT Scan ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) Others	Surgical v/s Non-Surgical	Hospitals & Clinics Ambulatory Surgical Centers Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Acute Cholecystitis Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By Type:

• Calculous Acute Cholecystitis v/s Acalculous Acute Cholecystitis

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By Cause:

• Gall Bladder Stones
• Tumor
• Bile Duct Blockage
• Microbial Infection
• Others

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By Diagnostic Procedure:

• Ultrasonography
• Cholescintigraphy
• CT Scan
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
• Others

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By Treatment:

• Surgical v/s Non-Surgical

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By End User:

• Hospitals & Clinics
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers
• Others

• Acute Cholecystitis Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE