The Clavien-Dindo classification of postoperative complications
| Grade | Definition (examples listed in italics) |
|---|---|
| I | Any deviation from the normal postoperative course without the need for pharmacological (other than the ‘allowed therapeutic regimens’), surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention Allowed therapeutic regimens are: selected drugs (antiemetics, antipyretics, analgesics, diuretics and electrolyte replacement), physiotherapy and wound infections opened at the bedside but not treated with antibiotics Examples: Ileus (deviation from the norm); hypokalemia treated with sando K; nausea treated with cyclizine; acute kidney injury treated with intravenous fluids |
| II | Requiring pharmacological treatment with drugs beyond those allowed for grade I complications. Blood transfusions and total parenteral nutrition are also included Examples: Surgical site infection treated with antibiotics; myocardial infarction treated medically; Deep venous thrombosis treated with enoxaparin; pneumonia or urinary tract infection treated with antibiotics; blood transfusion for anaemia |
| III | Requiring surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention Examples: Return to theatre for any reason; therapeutic endoscopic therapy (do not include diagnostic procedures); interventional radiology procedures |
| IV | Life-threatening complications requiring critical care management; neurological complications including brain haemorrhage and ischaemic stroke (excluding TIA). Examples: Single or multiorgan dysfunction requiring critical care management, e.g. pneumonia with ventilator support, renal failure with filtration; SAH; stroke |
| V | Death of a patient |
TIA, transient ischaemic attack.