This study describes the development and validation of the SEVERE (Severity of Events Related to Intraoperative Video Evaluation) index, a novel instrument designed to measure the severity of intraoperative events using surgical video data. The researchers created the index through a rigorous process involving literature review, expert consultation, and pilot testing. The SEVERE index evaluates five types of intraoperative events using weighted ordinal scales, with each event scored out of 10.

The instrument demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability and showed evidence of construct validity when tested on 120 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. The study found that patients had a median of 12 intraoperative events per procedure, with bleeding being the most common. Factors such as previous abdominal surgery and body mass index were associated with higher SEVERE scores. The researchers conclude that the SEVERE index could be a valuable tool for identifying patients at higher risk of postoperative complications, potentially improving surgical outcomes and patient care.