Table 2 Definition of complications

Lobo, 2002

Infectious and non-infectious complications during the first 30 postoperative days

Wound infection, peripheral edema, vomiting on day 4, electrolyte disturbances, confusion, respiratory infection

Muller, 2009

Total 30-day complication rate, severity of complications according to Calvien-Dindo classification

Intra-abdominal abscess, wound infection, anastomotic leaks, cardiovascular events, urinary infection/retention, postoperative bleeding, pneumonia/respiratory events, postoperative ileus

Vermeulen, 2009

Predefined postoperative complications within 30 days after discharge, according National Surgical Adverse Event Registration from the Dutch Society for Surgery

Major; cardiac events, anastomotic leakage, sepsis, kidney failure requiring dialysis

Minor; abdominal wound abscess, infection or dehiscence, respiratory disorders or infection, bleeding, peripheral thrombo-embolism

de Aguilar-Nascimento, 2009

Number of complications

Surgical site infection, anastomotic dehiscence, pulmonary, sepsis, shock

Morgan, 2016

Overall complication rate

Including wound infection, pneumonia and pancreatic fistula rates

Walsh, 2008

Any predefined complication

Cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular accident, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus, deep venous thrombosis, prolonged ileus, anastomotic leak, urinary tract infection, wound infection, abscess formation, gastrointestinal bleed

Zargar-Shoshtari, 2008

Predefined complications, well-documented that required specific interventions

Ileus, urinary tract infection, wound infection, chest infection, fluid overload, cardiac, urinary retention, anastomotic leak