{"id":"e41bad53-2844-4239-867d-5987dca137a8","slug":"how-to-compare-clinical-results-of-different-neurosurgical-centers-is-a-classification-of-complications-in-neurosurgery-necessary-for-this-purpose","title":"How to compare clinical results of different neurosurgical centers? Is a classification of complications in neurosurgery necessary for this purpose?","authors":["Stefano Brock","Christian Saleh","Edvin Zekaj","Domenico Servello"],"abstract":"Background: A classification of complications in neurosurgery is essential for comparing clinical outcomes across different surgical centers. The lack of a universally accepted definition and classification of complications hinders the ability to objectively evaluate surgical results. Historical attempts to categorize complications have faced challenges due to subjectivity and variability in definitions. Methods: This article reviews existing classifications of complications in both general and neurosurgery, highlighting the need for a standardized approach. It discusses the complexities involved in defining surgical risk and categorizing complications based on the severity of postoperative outcomes. The authors suggest that a clear classification system could facilitate comparisons of surgical results across institutions. Results: The review indicates that current classifications in neurosurgery are insufficient for meaningful comparisons due to their lack of specificity and consensus. The article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between complications and expected sequelae in surgical outcomes. Preliminary data from high-volume centers suggest that certain surgical risks are significant predictors of postoperative deficits. Conclusion: The establishment of a standardized classification of complications in neurosurgery is necessary for improving the comparability of clinical outcomes across different centers. Without a shared definition of complications, efforts to assess and improve surgical quality remain limited. Future classifications should consider the complexity of surgical procedures to enhance the evaluation of surgical results. Keywords: neurosurgery, complications, classification, surgical outcomes, surgical risk, quality improvement, clinical results","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2016-08-16T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.188471","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"http://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7939/SNI-7-565.pdf"}