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Table 3 Dindo–Clavien definition of postoperative complications [38]

From: Postoperative negative-pressure incision therapy following open colorectal surgery (Poniy): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Grade

Definition

I

Any deviation from the normal postoperative course without the need for pharmacological treatment or surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention

Allowed therapeutic regimens are: drugs as antiemetics, antipyretics, analgesics, diuretics, electrolytes and physiotherapy

This grade also includes wound infections opened at the bedside

II

Requiring pharmacological treatment with drugs other than those allowed for grade I complications

Blood transfusions and total parenteral nutrition are also included

III

Requiring surgical, endoscopic or radiological intervention

IIIa

Intervention, not under general anesthesia

IIIb

Intervention, under general anesthesia

IV

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

IVa

Single organ dysfunction (including dialysis)

IVb

Multiorgan dysfunction

V

Death of a patient

Suffix ‘d’

If the patient suffers from a complication at the time of discharge (see examples in Table 1), the suffix ‘d’ (for ‘disability’) is added to the respective grade of complication. This label indicates the need for a follow-up to fully evaluate the complication.

  1. aBrain haemorrhage, ischaemic stroke, subarachnoidal bleeding, but excluding transient ischaemic attacks