To study the cause and clinical presentation along with clinical course (cooperative an postoperative) of retained abdominal sponge. An observational case series conducted at Surgical Department, Bahawal Voctoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, from April 1, 2000 to August 31, 2000. The study included 12 patients. All the patients, who presented to surgical department during the stated period with retained abdominal sponge postoperatively, were included in the study. Retained abdominal foreign bodies, other than the surgical sponge, were excluded. A total of 12 patients presented with retained abdominal sponge. Out of these, 33.33% were males and 66.66% females. Modes of presentation were intestinal obstruction, 58.33%, discharging sinus, 41.67%, intra abdominal abscess, 16.67%, peritonitis, 16.67% and mass abdomen, 8.33%. One death followed despite provision of due care. Retained surgical sponge is a potentially lethal condition and all preventive measures should be taken to avoid this condition.