Decoding the Clavien-Dindo Classification: Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Novel Tool to Grade Postoperative Complications

Abstract Background The CDC standardizes grading of postoperative complications. However, consistent, and precise application in dynamic clinical settings is challenging. AI offers a potential solution for efficient automated grading. Aims To assess ChatGPT’s capability of grading postoperative complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC) via Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Natural Language Processing (NLP). Methods ChatGPT's accuracy in defining the CDC, generating clinical examples, grading complications from existing scenarios, and interpreting complications from fictional clinical summaries, was tested. Results ChatGPT 4 precisely mirrored the CDC, outperforming version 3.5. In generating clinical examples, ChatGPT 4 showcased 99% agreement with minor errors in urinary catheterization. For single complications, it achieved 97% accuracy. ChatGPT was able to accurately extract, grade, and analyze complications from free text fictional discharge summaries. Conclusion ChatGPT 4 demonstrates promising proficiency and accuracy in applying the CDC. In the future, AI has the potential to become the mainstay tool to accurately capture, extract, and analyze CDC data from clinical datasets.