A Surgical Sponge is a sterile or non-sterile absorbent pad used in surgical procedures to absorb fluids and maintain a clean and dry surgical field. Surgical sponges are made of mesh or yarn and have x-ray detectable and undetectable variants. They come pre-washed or unwashed, and with or without radiopaque handles.

The absorbent nature of the surgical sponge, also called a lap sponge, helps to efficiently collect and manage fluids, minimizing the risk of contamination and keeping the surgical site clear. The availability of x-ray detectable and undetectable variants ensures that surgical sponges can be easily tracked and identified post-surgery, aiding in the detection of any potential retained sponges and preventing associated complications.