Table 2 Clavien-Dindo classification

Grade I

Any deviation from the normal post-operative course without the need for pharmacological treatment or surgical, endoscopic or radiological interventions. Allowed therapeutic regimens are: drugs as antiemetics, antipyretics, analgesics, diuretics and electrolytes, and physiotherapy. This grade also includes wound infections opened at the bedside.

Grade II

Requiring pharmacological treatment with drugs other than those allowed for grade I complications. Blood transfusions and total parenteral nutrition are also included.

Grade III

Requiring surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention.

Grade IIIa

Intervention not under general anaesthesia

Grade IIIb

Intervention under general anaesthesia

Grade IV

Life-threatening complication (including central nervous system complications)* requiring intensive care unit management

Grade IVa

Single-organ dysfunction (including dialysis)

Grade IVb

Multi-organ dysfunction

Grade V

Death

Suffix ‘d’

If the patient is suffering from a complication at the time of discharge, the suffix ‘d’ (for ‘disability’) is added to the grade. This label indicates the need for follow-up to fully evaluate the complication.