International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint terminology and classification of the complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery

Abstract

A terminology and standardized classification has yet to be developed for those complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery. This report on the terminology and classification combines the input of members of the Standardization and Terminology Committees of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS) and a Joint IUGA/ICS Working Group on Complications Terminology, assisted at intervals by many external referees. A process of rounds of internal and external review took place with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). A terminology and classification of complications related to native tissue female pelvic floor surgery has been developed, with the classification based on category (C), time (T), and site (S) classes and divisions, that should encompass all conceivable scenarios for describing operative complications and healing abnormalities. The CTS code for each complication, involving three (or four) letters and three numerals, is likely to be very suitable for any surgical audit or registry, particularly one that is procedure-specific. Users of the classification have been assisted by case examples, color charts, and online aids (www.icsoffice.org/ntcomplication). A consensus-based terminology and classification report for complications in native tissue female pelvic floor surgery has been produced. It is aimed at being a significant aid to clinical practice and particularly to research.