Ascites Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2034

Ascites Industry Prospective:

The global ascites market size was approximately USD 1,340 million in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 1,820 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.89% between 2025 and 2034.

Ascites Market: Overview

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Ascites refers to a medical condition in which an irregular collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity causes discomfort and swelling. It is commonly related to liver diseases like cirrhosis, but may also occur because of heart failure, cancer, infections, or kidney disease. An individual may experience symptoms such as weight gain, reduced appetite, abdominal distension, and shortness of breath. The global ascites market is poised for notable growth owing to the growing incidences of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, increasing cases of cancer-associated ascites, and improvements in diagnostic imaging. Liver cirrhosis is the leading cause of ascites, with more than 1.5 billion affected across the globe. Hepatitis C and B infections are also the key contributors. Rising cases of alcohol-associated liver damage and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are remarkably increasing the demand for ascites management tools.

Moreover, malignant ascites, caused by cancers like gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and ovarian, is rising notably. It affects nearly 10 percent of patients with advanced cancers. The growing number of global cancer cases is driving the demand for recurrent paracentesis and indwelling catheter tools. Additionally, solutions like CT scans, MRI, and ultrasound have enhanced early detection of ascetic fluid and related complications. Early diagnosis improves the possibility of timely treatment, thereby increasing procedure volumes and driving industry growth.

Nevertheless, the global market faces limitations due to factors such as the high risk of recurrence and the painful nature of standard treatment. Despite treatment, ascites usually recurs in patients with malignancy or cirrhosis, demanding repeated interventions. This nature limits patient satisfaction and demotivates long-term resolution. Also, paracentesis, though common, is painful and may result in complications like bowel perforation, hemorrhage, or infection.

Patients typically decline this procedure due to the risks and discomfort associated with repeated procedures. Still, the global ascites industry benefits from several favorable factors, including the growth of targeted biologic therapies and the progression of medical tourism. Biotech companies are developing therapies to control fluid retention by changing inflammatory pathways or vascular permeability. These may transform treatment beyond symptom management. Furthermore, nations such as Turkey, Thailand, and India are offering high-quality and affordable procedures for managing ascites. The rising flood of international patients is offering new revenue streams for health professionals.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global ascites market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 3.89% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global ascites market size was valued at around USD 1,340 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,820 million by 2034.
• The ascites market is projected to grow significantly owing to increasing demand for minimally invasive treatments, high incidences of chronic liver diseases, and technological improvements in diagnostic imaging.
• Based on type, the transudative segment is expected to lead the market, while the exudative segment is expected to grow considerably.
• Based on diagnosis, the ultrasound is the largest segment, while the CT scan segment is projected to witness substantial revenue growth over the forecast period.
• Based on treatment, the paracentesis segment is expected to lead the market compared to the medication segment.
• Based on route of administration, the oral segment is expected to lead the market, while the parenteral segment is expected to grow considerably.
• Based on end-user, the hospitals segment is the largest, while the homecare segment is projected to experience substantial revenue growth over the forecast period.
• Based on the distribution channel, the hospital pharmacy segment is expected to lead the market, followed by the retail pharmacy segment.
• Based on region, North America is projected to dominate the global market during the estimated period, followed by Europe.

Ascites Market: Growth Drivers

Technological improvements in treatment and diagnostic imaging drive market growth

Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in therapeutics and diagnostics for the treatment of ascites. Advancements such as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), automated paracentesis drainage systems, and elastography are enhancing the early detection of ascites. A study published in Hepatology International (2024) focused on the role of AI-based ultrasound systems in diagnosing the severity of cirrhosis in individuals with more than 90% precision.

Additionally, the development of albumin-powered formulations, liver, and angiogenesis inhibitors is offering fresh avenues for treating refractory ascites.

Mounting cases of cancer-associated ascites propel the market growth

Malignant ascites, usually related to advanced-stage cancers like colorectal, gastric, ovarian, breast, and pancreatic, is a significant concern. In the previous year, a study by the American Cancer Society projected that nearly 10-15% of total cancer patients suffer from ascites during the last stages of the disease, with the cases being significantly higher in people with ovarian cancer (nearly 37%).

According to the GLOBOCAN, the growth in global cancer cases, expected to reach 20 million new cases by 2024, has led to a parallel rise in demand for treatment, primarily in palliative care units and oncology wards. Such a growing patient pool ultimately drives the ascites market.

Ascites Market: Restraints

Side effects of pharmacological treatments and limited efficacy hinder the market progress

While diuretics like furosemide and spironolactone are the mainstay in managing uncomplicated ascites, they are associated with imperfect long-term efficacy and significant side effects. Problems like renal dysfunction, electrolyte imbalance, hypovolemia, and gynecomastia (in males) result in discontinuation or repeated dose modification. This pharmacological stagnation is limiting the industry's development, mainly among the geriatric population or those with multiple comorbidities who can partially tolerate invasive options.

Ascites Market: Opportunities

Orphan drug incentives and supportive regulatory push positively impact market growth

Global regulatory bodies are highly supportive of innovation in underserved or rare diseases, such as malignant and refractory ascites. In the United States, the FDA's Orphan Drug Act and Fast Track designation initiatives offer advantages such as industry exclusivity, tax credits, and fee waivers for companies developing novel ascites therapies. Such programs notably propel the global ascites industry.

In 2025, BioVie Inc. continued to progress with BIV201, its Orphan Drug-designated compound for hepatorenal syndrome and ascites, which showed promise in Phase II results.

Ascites Market: Challenges

Scarce clinical research in varied patient populations limits the market growth

Several ascites treatment guidelines and clinical trials rely on studies comprising homogeneous populations, typically from Western Europe and North America. Nonetheless, the underlying etiologies of liver disease, genetic diversity, and healthcare access vary substantially across different regions.

The poor localization of clinical data also challenges regulatory approvals and hampers modified drug development or public health strategies, mainly in nations with the highest liver disease cases.

Ascites Market: Report Scope

Ascites Market: Segmentation

The global ascites market is segmented based on type, diagnosis, treatment, route of administration, end-user, distribution channel, and region.

Based on type, the global industry is categorized into transudative, exudative, and others. The Transudative segment holds a dominating share because of higher cases of cirrhosis due to alcohol-associated liver disease, NAFLD, and hepatitis C/B, which demand high treatment volumes

Based on diagnosis, the global ascites market is segmented into ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, blood test, laparoscopy, angiography, and others. The ultrasound segment registers a notable share, as the diagnosis offers real-time imaging and is widely available, even in rural areas. Moreover, it is usually the primary diagnostic tool for guiding and confirming paracentesis procedures.

Based on treatment, the global market is segmented into medication, paracentesis, surgery, and others. The paracentesis segment holds a remarkable market share due to its quick effectiveness in relieving abdominal discomfort and pressure, particularly in cases associated with malignancy and cirrhosis.

Based on the route of administration, the global ascites industry is divided into oral, parenteral, and others. The oral segment captures a significant share of the market due to its ease of use, low costs, and patient compliance, particularly for home-based and outpatient care.

Based on end-user, the global market is segmented as hospitals, homecare, specialty clinics, and others. The hospitals segment is the leading segment in the worldwide market due to the availability of a skilled workforce, emergency care, and equipment in both developing and developed nations.

Based on distribution channel, the global ascites market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, online pharmacies, and others. The hospital pharmacies segment held a substantial market share, as the majority of ascites management occurs in hospitals, primarily for severe and acute cases.

Ascites Market: Regional Analysis

North America to witness significant growth over the forecast period

North America is projected to maintain its dominant position in the global ascites market, driven by increasing cases of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, supportive reimbursement and insurance coverage, and the surging adoption of remote monitoring and home care. North America reports the leading cases of liver cirrhosis, mainly due to hepatitis C, alcohol use, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The United States alone experiences more than 4.5 million individuals suffering from chronic liver disease. This fuels the demand for ascites diagnosis, therapeutic interventions, and monitoring.

Likewise, the region's healthcare systems offer exhaustive insurance coverage for imaging, hospital stays, paracentesis, and albumin therapy under private plans and Medicare. The CMS reimburses for large-volume albumin use and paracentesis, boosting providers and patients to opt for total treatment.

Moreover, the region is witnessing a rapid shift towards homecare management of chronic illnesses, including ascites. The availability of home healthcare services and indwelling peritoneal catheters enables long-term fluid management, mainly in palliative care or geriatric patients, decreasing hospital burden and increasing outpatient treatment volumes.

Europe maintains its position as the second-leading region in the global ascites industry due to high pressure of alcohol consumption and liver disease, government-backed reimbursement policies, and the presence of a large number of medical device producers. Europe holds the leading rates of liver conditions, across the globe, mainly because of hepatitis C and alcohol consumption.

More than 29 million individuals in the European Union suffer from chronic liver diseases, according to the WHO. This high patient base fuels the demand for treatment procedures and diagnostic services for ascites. A majority of European nations operate under national or universal health insurance schemes that entail ascites-associated treatments and diagnostics, comprising paracentesis and albumin therapy.

For instance, the NHS in the United Kingdom reimburses both outpatient and inpatient management of ascites, thereby promoting continuous care-seeking behavior. Moreover, Europe is home to prominent pharmaceutical and medical device firms, such as B. Braun, Fresenius, and Novartis, which offer infusion products, ascites-associated therapeutics, and paracentesis kits. Regulatory harmonization and local manufacturing under the EU MDR support faster adoption of the product.

Ascites Market: Competitive Analysis

The leading players in the global ascites market are:

• Pfizer Inc.
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
• Novartis AG
• Johnson & Johnson
• Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
• GlaxoSmithKline plc
• Bayer AG
• Sanofi
• AstraZeneca
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
• Becton
• Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Medtronic plc
• Boston Scientific Corporation

Ascites Market: Key Market Trends

Expanding use of albumin and targeted biologics:

The use of IV albumin after paracentesis is increasing due to its proven role in preventing infections and circulatory dysfunction. Additionally, targeted biologics are being explored for managing fluid accumulation by resolving vascular inflammation and leakage. This inclination towards mechanism-based therapy is transforming treatment rules.

High emphasis on cancer-associated (malignant) ascites:

Malignant ascites prevalence is rising because of the growing pressure of cancers like gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and ovarian. Consequently, there is a surge in demand for recurrent drainage solutions and palliative care alternatives. The industry is experiencing innovation in long-term catheter therapies and devices tailored for oncology patients with an unfavorable prognosis.

The global ascites market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Transudative
• Exudative
• Others

By Diagnosis

• Ultrasound
• CT Scan
• MRI
• Blood Test
• Laparoscopy
• Angiography
• Others

By Treatment

• Medication
• Paracentesis
• Surgery
• Others

By Route of Administration

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Others

By End-User

• Hospitals
• Homecare
• Specialty Clinics
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Online Pharmacies
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa