Table 1 Classification of surgical complications

Grade I

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

Allowed therapeutic regimens are: drugs as antiemetics, antipyretics, analgetics, diuretics, electrolytes, and physiotherapy. This grade also includes wound infections opened at the bedside.

Grade II

Requiring pharmacological treatment with drugs other than such 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 is not under general anesthesia.

Grade IIIb

Intervention under general anesthesia.

Grade IV

Life-threatening complication (including CNS complications)^a requiring IC/ICU management.

Grade IVa

Single organ dysfunction (including dialysis).

Grade IVb

Multiorgan dysfunction.

Grade V

Death of a patient.