A surgical sponge device comprises a moulded open cell foam sponge portion 2, mutually opposed external surface regions of which are gripped by a handle portion 5. Substantially all of the external surfaces of the sponge portion are formed as an uncut, cast external surface, except for at least one cut region 21,22,23 located close to the grip, where it is separated from adjacent sponge portions 2 cast as a sponge web 7 in a mould, thereby minimising unwanted particulate material created by cutting. Also disclosed is sponge web 7 having an uncut external surface and comprising a plurality of individual sponge portions 2 connected to each other in the web at their base portions, and a method of manufacturing the device by moulding a sponge web 7, connecting the handles 5 to the web and then cutting the connections 21,22,23 between the portions 2.
