: In long-term cases, the body may form a granuloma around the sponge, which can eventually calcify. Clinical Significance and Prevention
The presence of a sponge on a post-operative X-ray is considered a "never event" in healthcare—a serious, preventable medical error. Xray that includes sponges
When a sponge is retained, it often presents with specific features on an X-ray or CT scan: : In long-term cases, the body may form
: If the count is "off," a mobile X-ray (C-arm) is brought into the operating room to scan the surgical site before the patient is closed. : In long-term cases
: Operating room teams perform multiple manual counts of all sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgery.
: The most common finding is the visualization of the barium-impregnated thread.