How Is the U.S. Surgical Procedures Market Evolving Amid Economic Challenges and Technological Advancements?
The U.S. surgical procedures market is undergoing a dynamic shift, influenced by demographic changes, medical technology innovation, and evolving healthcare economics. While the market continues to expand steadily, external pressures such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic slowdown, and geopolitical uncertainty have introduced both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders across hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs).
Driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, an aging population, and advancements in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, the market is poised for moderate yet sustainable growth over the coming years. However, risks associated with surgical errors, high treatment costs, and evolving reimbursement structures could influence future procedural trends and care delivery models.
Post-Pandemic Recovery and Market Stabilization
The U.S. surgical ecosystem experienced an unprecedented disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, with most elective procedures postponed or canceled in 2020. However, the period from 2021 to 2022 marked a sharp rebound, as healthcare systems cleared backlogs and prioritized deferred surgeries.
Procedural volume recovery was particularly strong in dental, orthopedic, and cardiovascular surgeries, supported by renewed patient confidence and improved infection control measures. Although the U.S. economy continues to adjust post-pandemic, macroeconomic factors—including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recessionary pressures—are expected to moderately affect patient spending patterns and hospital resource allocation.
Despite these challenges, the market’s essential nature and critical role in disease management ensure ongoing demand for surgical interventions, particularly for conditions that cannot be delayed or deferred without serious health implications.
Healthcare Economics and Changing Reimbursement Structures
One of the defining characteristics of the current U.S. surgical procedures market is the transformation of health insurance and reimbursement models. Patients are now more accountable for their healthcare expenses, largely due to increased out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and high-cost sharing structures.
This shift has influenced patient decision-making, often delaying elective surgeries and reducing procedural volumes for non-urgent interventions. However, essential surgical procedures — such as emergency operations, cancer-related surgeries, and chronic disease treatments — have continued to show resilience, as these remain critical for maintaining long-term health and quality of life.
The long-term impact of the recession on surgical demand will depend on government healthcare policies, public funding, and technological innovations that lower procedure costs and improve accessibility.
Dental Surgical Procedures Lead the Market by Type
Based on type, the dental surgical procedures segment held the largest share of the U.S. surgical procedures market in 2022. The segment’s dominance stems from multiple factors, including increased awareness of oral health, rising dental expenditure, and aging-related oral conditions.
According to the National Library of Medicine, four out of every five older adults in the U.S. live with at least one chronic disease. Many of these conditions — such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease — have direct or indirect impacts on oral health, resulting in higher demand for dental surgeries among senior populations.
Among the most common dental procedures are:
- Periodontal (gum) surgery – addressing gum disease, inflammation, and bone loss that can lead to tooth instability or loss.
- Dental implants – replacing teeth lost due to decay, disease, oral cancer, smoking, or aging-related degeneration.
The increasing acceptance of dental implants, coupled with aesthetic dentistry trends and the growth of private dental clinics, continues to drive segment expansion. Furthermore, the introduction of digital dentistry tools, CAD/CAM systems, and laser-assisted surgeries is reshaping procedural precision and patient comfort.
Physician Offices Dominate the Market by Channel
By healthcare channel, physician offices accounted for the largest share of the U.S. surgical procedures market in 2022. This dominance can be attributed to a combination of technological miniaturization, enhanced procedural safety, and the shift toward office-based surgeries (OBS).
Physicians increasingly prefer performing minor and intermediate-level surgeries within their offices for greater control over scheduling, improved patient relationships, and enhanced cost efficiency. From the patient’s perspective, these settings offer shorter wait times, reduced hospital exposure, and lower overall treatment costs.
This trend is further supported by:
- Advances in minimally invasive and image-guided technologies
- The integration of portable diagnostic systems
- Increased focus on value-based care models that reward efficiency and outcomes
Consequently, physician offices have become a major hub for procedures such as dermatologic excisions, ophthalmic corrections, dental surgeries, and cosmetic enhancements.
Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs): The Fastest-Growing Segment
While physician offices currently lead, the Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC) segment is projected to record the highest CAGR between 2023 and 2028. ASCs are increasingly viewed as the future of surgical care delivery due to their ability to provide high-quality, same-day surgical services at a fraction of hospital costs.
Key growth drivers include:
- Cost reduction potential – ASCs typically perform procedures at 30–60% lower cost than hospitals.
- Operational efficiency – streamlined workflows and faster patient turnover rates.
- Patient demand for convenience – faster recovery times, reduced infection risks, and minimal overnight stays.
In 2022, orthopedics emerged as the most common specialty within ASCs, followed by cardiology and spine procedures, according to the Ambulatory Surgical Center Association. The trend toward performing higher-acuity procedures in ASCs, driven by advances in anesthesia, robotics, and surgical instrumentation, underscores the sector’s transformative potential.
Market Outlook: Technology and Demographics Reshaping the Landscape
The future of the U.S. surgical procedures market will be defined by the intersection of technology, accessibility, and value-based healthcare. The integration of robotic-assisted surgery, AI-driven analytics, and precision imaging is improving procedural outcomes while reducing hospital stays and readmission rates.
Moreover, the aging population — with over 20% of Americans projected to be 65 or older by 2030 — will continue to drive demand for surgeries related to joint replacement, cardiovascular treatment, and dental restoration.
Government efforts to enhance healthcare coverage, coupled with the private sector’s investment in outpatient surgical infrastructure, are expected to sustain market growth even amid economic uncertainties.
Conclusion
The U.S. surgical procedures market stands at a critical inflection point. Despite macroeconomic headwinds and cost pressures, innovation in medical technology and the rise of cost-effective care models are unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Dental and orthopedic surgeries will continue to lead the market, while ambulatory surgery centers represent the fastest-growing delivery model — redefining the balance between efficiency, accessibility, and quality of care. As the U.S. healthcare system evolves, stakeholders that prioritize technology adoption, patient-centric care, and cost transparency will be best positioned to succeed in this competitive and rapidly changing landscape.