Use of Clavien-Dindo Classification in Reporting and Grading Complications after Urological Surgical Procedures: Analysis of 2010 to 2012

Abstract

We determined the use of the Clavien-Dindo classification in urological articles. We also assessed the recent trend in the use of different postoperative complication reporting classifications by authors in major journals from 2010 to 2012. We reviewed all articles from 5 major urological journals published between January 2010 and October 2012. All studies reporting surgical outcomes were included in analysis and individually assessed after retrieving the full text. We recorded the use of complication classifications with particular emphasis on the Clavien-Dindo classification. A total of 907 articles mentioned surgical outcomes, of which 137 reported no complications. A descriptive classification was the most common method (483 of 770 articles or 62.7%), followed by the Clavien-Dindo classification (256 of 770 or 33.3%). Use of the Clavien-Dindo classification in articles from all 5 journals that discussed surgical outcomes increased from 21.4% in 2010 to 50.2% in 2012. Of the 770 articles 287 (37.3%) used any standardized criteria for surgical outcome reporting in 2010 to 2012. Of the 287 articles that reported surgical outcomes the Clavien-Dindo classification was used in 256 (89.5%). Increasing use of classification systems was seen in the most recently published articles. When a system was adopted by authors, the Clavien-Dindo classification was used most frequently. While there has been increased use of standardized reporting systems in articles mentioning surgical complications, there is room for increased implementation.