Clavien Classification of Surgical Complications
This recently upgraded classification is a useful tool for those interested in surgical audit or clinical investigation.
Grade I Any deviation from the normal postoperative course without the need for pharmacological treatment or surgical, endoscopic, and radiological interventions.
Grade II Requiring pharmacological treatment with drug other than such allowed for Grade I complications.
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.
Grade IVa Single organ dysfunction.
Grade IVb Multiorgan dysfunction.
Grade V Death of a patient.
Reference
Dindo D, Demartines N, Clavien PA. Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey. Ann Surg 2004; 240: 205-13.
