CompletedNot Applicable

Intraoperative Radiographic Detection of Retained Surgical Sponges

United States146 participantsStarted 2020-11-10

Plain-language summary

This prospective study will determine the efficacy of intraoperative x-ray to identify retained surgical sponges. The recommended practice for finding a retained sponge is by radiography. The purpose is to find out how useful plain x-rays are in open posterior lumbar spine surgery, information which is presently unavailable. The specific aim is to compare the sensitivity (seeing a sponge when one is actually present) and specificity (not seeing a sponge when one is not present) of radiography of the surgical field for three conditions: viewing one lateral radiograph versus viewing one anteroposterior radiograph versus viewing two radiographs together, one lateral and one anteroposterior.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing open posterior instrumented lumbar spine surgery. * Read and understand English. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy. * Patients who do not consent to research. * Patients less than 18 years old at the time of consent. * Do not read and understand English.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Accuracy

Timeframe: Intraoperative

Interobserver Reproducibility

Timeframe: Intraoperative

Intraobserver Reproducibility

Timeframe: Intraoperative

Sensitivity

Timeframe: Intraoperative

Specificity

Timeframe: Intraoperative

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04097678

SponsorTwin Cities Spine Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-12-08

Results submitted2022-10-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Surgical Sponge, Retained trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.