Surgical Sponge Market Size, Share and Trends 2025 to 2034

Surgical Sponge Market Size and Forecast 2025 to 2034

The global surgical sponge market size accounted for USD 2.50 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 2.64 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 4.41 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 5.84% from 2025 to 2034. This growth is due to the increasing number of surgeries and advancements in healthcare infrastructure.

Surgical Sponge Market Key Takeaways

• North America dominated the surgical sponge market in 2024.
• Middle East and Africa is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market over the period studied. 
• The European market holds a significant position globally.
• By type, the cotton gauze sponges segment held the largest market share in 2024.
• By type, the nonwoven sponges segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.
• By end user, the hospital segment captured the biggest market share in 2024.
• By end user, the clinic segment is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Surgical Sponge Market

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the market for surgical sponges by enhancing infection control, safety, and accuracy. Automating sponge tracking with smart RFID and computer vision technologies reduces human error and prevents retained surgical items. By identifying contamination risks during sterilization, machine learning improves quality control and guarantees higher safety standards. To improve patient care and lower complications, hospitals can also use predictive analytics to evaluate infection trends, streamline surgical procedures, and adhere to legal requirements. 

Artificial intelligence is transforming not just surgery but also supply chains and product development. Systems for intelligent inventory management ensure effective resource allocation by preventing shortages and excess stock. The development of biodegradable antimicrobial and highly absorbent sponges suited for sophisticated processes is made possible by AI-driven material research. Artificial intelligence-assisted training programs and augmented reality (AR) simulations are improving sponge handling, streamlining surgical education, and lowering risks. AI is propelling major developments in this market with its capacity to maximize expense effectiveness and patient safety. 

• Stryker Corporation has improved surgical safety and efficiency by introducing the next generation of SurgiCount+, which is now integrated with its Triton technology. This AI-powered solution tackles important issues like accurately assessing blood loss and surgical sponge retention. 
• Mayo Clinic has incorporated machine learning to improve sterilization protocols, ensuring high-quality surgical sponges are used in procedures. 

Market Overview

The surgical sponge market is expanding because of improvements in wound care, increased healthcare spending, and more surgeries. Sponge materials like cotton and non-woven fabric are preferred by hospitals and clinics because they are sterile, absorbent, and reasonably priced. Asia-Pacific is growing quickly while North America is at the top. Concerns regarding retained items and surgical site infections are addressed by innovations such as RFID and X-ray detectable sponges.

Surgical Sponge Market Growth Factors

• Rising surgical procedures: Increasing cases of chronic diseases, trauma, and cosmetic surgeries are boosting demand.
  Technological advancements: Innovations like RFID-enabled, X-ray-detectable, and antimicrobial-coated sponges enhance safety. 
• Expanding healthcare infrastructure: Growing Investments in hospitals, ASCs, and medical tourism drive market growth. 
• Stronger infection control measures: Rising awareness of SSIs and HAIs increases demand for sterile, single-use sponges. 
  Shift towards minimally invasive surgeries: Demand for micro-surgical, high-absorbency sponge is rising.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Advancements in wound care

Surgical sponges with RFID capabilities and X-ray detection are examples of technological innovations that help prevent retained surgical items (RSIs), a significant issue in operating rooms. These developments improve adherence to hospital safety procedures, surgical efficiency, and patient safety. High-absorbed sponges are also being developed for the market to promote healing and lower infection rates. 

• European Wound Management Association (EWMA). EWMA is an umbrella organization that connects wound management associations across Europe. It aims to promote education and research in wound care by organizing conferences, training courses and facilitating networking among professionals. EWMA collaborates with 54 nation wound care associations and numerous international partners to enhance wound management practices. 

Risk of Surgical Site Infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are significant post-operative complications that increase patient mortality rates, prolong hospital stays, and raise healthcare costs. Poor or contaminated surgical sponges can worsen patient outcomes by introducing bacteria into wounds. Hospitals are increasingly using sterile, antimicrobial, single-use surgical sponges as regulatory bodies like the FDA, WHO, and CDC enforce stringent infection control guidelines, encouraging healthcare providers to use high-quality sponges. The rise in hospital-acquired infections has driven demand for advanced wound care products, including antibacterial and silver-coated sponges, which inhibit microorganism growth. Additionally popular is the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable, and disposable sponges, which lowers the risk of infection while also following sustainability trends.

Restraints

Environmental concerns and disposal issues

Most surgical sponges are single-use and non-biodegradable, which significantly increases medical waste. Wasteful sponge disposal can result in environmental contamination, biohazard contamination biohazard contamination and higher waste management expenses for medical facilities. Although environmentally friendly biodegradable sponges are being created, their uptake is sluggish because of their limited supply and increased manufacturing costs. Furthermore, hospitals and manufacturers are being forced to look for more environmentally friendly production and waste management methods due to lightening regulations on medical waste disposal and sustainability initiatives.

Opportunities

Eco-friendly and biodegradable sponges 

Biodegradable surgical sponges are becoming more popular due to the increased global focus on sustainability and the reduction of medical waste. Hospital and regulatory agencies are putting more emphasis on environmentally friendly medical supplies in an effort to counteract the negative environmental effects of single-use surgical instruments. Manufacturers can stand out in the market by creating sponges that are recyclable, composable, or biodegradable using organic and plant-based materials. Green medical product development is further aided by government initiatives that support sustainability in healthcare.

• Singapore General Hospital has initiated a trial using biodegradable surgical sponges to reduce medical waste and promote sustainability. 

Increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries

There is a growing need for specialized high-absorbency non-linting surgical sponges due to the growth of laparoscopic robotic-assisted and micro-invasive procedures. To guarantee a clear surgical field and little tissue damage, these procedures call for precise, small, and extremely effective sponges. The demand for specially made surgical sponges for specialized medical producers of next-generation surgical supplies this change presents changes for product innovation.

Type Insights

The cotton gauze sponges segment held the largest surgical sponge market share in 2024, owing to their extensive use in surgical procedures for wound management, cleaning, and absorption. They are widely used in healthcare facilities due to their low-cost great availability and ability to prevent surgical site ability to prevent surgical site infection. In many medical applications, they are also a preferred option due to their compatibility with sterilization procedures. The market position of this segment has been further reinforced by the rise in surgical procedures performed globally and the aging population's increased need for frequent medical care. Additionally, there is a greater need for sterile cotton gauze sponges as a result of hospitals' increased emphasis on infection prevention and hygiene. Maintaining hospitals' market dominance has also been greatly aided by their established supply chains and large purchases. 

• Ethicon Inc (Johnson and Johnson): The cotton gauze sponge is widely used in top hospitals like Mayo Clinic (USA) and St. Thomas Hospital (UK) for controlling bleeding in surgeries. These sterile cotton gauze sponges help absorb excess blood, prevent infections, and improve wound healing in orthopedic, cardiovascular, and general surgeries. 

The nonwoven sponges segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the projected period due to its superior absorbency, softness, and lower risk of lint formation compared to traditional cotton gauze sponges. One of the main reasons for the nonwoven sponges' quick market expansion is their improved patient safety features and growing use in minimally invasive procedures. Nonwoven sponges reduce the chance of wound contamination because they retain more fluid and shed less fiber than cotton gauze. The production of high-quality and reasonably priced nonwoven sponges has been made possible by technological developments in manufacturing processes, which has increased demand for them. Additionally, the use of disposable medical products in healthcare settings has increased the demand for them. Additionally, the use of disposable medical products in healthcare settings has increased because of infection control measures that have led to a growing preference for them. It is anticipated that nonwoven sponges will be widely used in ambulatory surgical centers and clinics as outpatient surgeries continue to grow. 

• Molnlycke Health Care produces Barrier nonwoven sponges, which are lint-free and highly absorbent. They are used in robotics-assisted surgeries where high precision is needed. 

End User Insights

The hospital segment dominated the global surgical sponge market in 2024 due to hospitals performing a significant volume of surgical procedures and requiring a high quantity of surgical wound care and infection control. The market dominance of hospitals has been reinforced by the existence of a well-established healthcare infrastructure, the availability of qualified medical personnel, and the rise in patient admissions for surgical procedures. The demand for surgical sponges is also fueled by the main locations for complicated and urgent surgeries. Governments and private healthcare organizations are making significant investments in hospital expansions and surgical equipment upgrades, which is helping to maintain demand. Furthermore, hospitals' rigorous adherence to infection control measures and hygiene standards guarantees ongoing purchases of sterile surgical sponges. This segment's growth is further aided by the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases that call for surgery.

The clinic segment is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by the increasing shift toward outpatient care and minor surgical procedures. There is a growing need for surgical sponges as clinics are better prepared to manage wounds, perform minor surgeries, and treat dermatological conditions. Patients are choosing clinics over hospitals because they are more convenient, more affordable, and have shorter wait times. The demand for premium surgical sponges has also increased due to the growth of specialty medical clinics, including orthopedic dental and cosmetic surgery facilities. The increasing emphasis on early-stage treatment and preventive healthcare at clinics is also anticipated to fuel explosive growth in the surgical sponge market. More clinics are opening as emerging economies' healthcare infrastructure advances, which is driving the growth of this market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the surgical sponge market in 2024, driven by its well-established healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of advanced medical technologies. Major medical device manufacturers are present, and strict laws guaranteeing high-quality surgical products have helped the region dominate the market because of the rising number of surgeries carried out each year and the rapidly aging population that necessitates frequent medical interventions. The United States plays a significant role in this dominance. Market expansion is also supported by robust reimbursement regulations, wide hospital networks, and continuous research into surgical innovations. North America continues to be the major player in the surgical sponge market thanks to ongoing improvement and infection prevention techniques. 

Middle East and Africa is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the surgical sponge market over the period studied due to the rapid development of healthcare facilities, rising medical tourism, and increasing government initiatives to improve medical infrastructure. Surgical sponges are in greater demand in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers as a result of the move toward modern medical practices and increased healthcare investments. Further propelling market expansion are the rise in private healthcare providers and the growing number of minimally invasive surgeries. The region is set to play a significant role in the global surgical sponge market as healthcare accessibility increases throughout emerging economies. 

Europe holds a significant position in the surgical sponge market, supported by a strong focus on healthcare quality, regulatory compliance, and advancements in surgical procedures. The regions' need for surgical sponges has been fueled by the rising incidence of chronic illnesses that necessitate surgery, as well as government initiatives to improve patient safety regulations. Additionally, advancements in environmentally friendly surgical sponges have resulted from Europe's focus on biodegradable and sustainable medical products, with an aging population that needs frequent medical attention and ongoing advancements in healthcare services. Europe continues to be a vital market for producers of surgical sponges. 

Surgical Sponge Market Companies

• Ethicon Inc
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• Medical Devices Business Services
• Betatech Medical
• LifeCell International Pvt Ltd 
• Molnlycke Health Care 
• W.L. Gore and Associates. Inc
• Medtronic
• TEPHA Inc
• B. Braun Melsungen AG

Latest Announcement

• In December 2024, Medline Industries, a leading manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, announced that it had confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S. This move positions Medline for a significant public listing, potentially valuing the company at up to USD 50 billion. The chief executive officer of Medline, Jim Boyle, stated that “this strategic step aims to accelerate our growth trajectory and expand our capacity to serve healthcare providers worldwide.”
  Recent Developments
• In March 2025, MedTech Innovations launched a new AI-driven surgical sponge tracking system, SafeCount, designed to enhance patient safety in operating rooms. The system integrates RFID and computer vision technology to prevent retained surgical sponges, a leading cause of post-operative complications. 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type 

• Cotton Gauze Sponges 
• Nonwoven Sponges 
• X-Ray Detectable Sponges 

By End User 

• Hospital 
• Clinic 
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa