August 24, 2026 | New Brunswick, New Jersey

Johnson & Johnson announced the publication of the DISH Classification System, a new global consensus framework designed to standardize how surgical site outcomes and wound complications are identified, graded and reported across surgical specialties. Published in The British Journal of Surgery, the framework establishes a common approach for reporting dehiscence, inflammation/infection, seroma and hematoma, addressing longstanding inconsistencies in how these postoperative complications are documented across healthcare institutions and specialties. The initiative is intended to improve the quality and comparability of surgical outcomes data and create a stronger foundation for evidence-based improvements in postoperative care.

DISH Establishes Standardized Surgical Outcome Reporting

The DISH Classification System provides clinicians with a shared terminology and independent grading scales for four common surgical site outcomes: Dehiscence, Inflammation/Infection, Seroma and Hematoma. The framework goes beyond infection-focused reporting by creating a standardized structure for documenting a broader range of wound complications. Johnson & Johnson said inconsistent measurement of surgical outcomes has made it difficult to reliably compare complication rates, evaluate clinical responses and identify best practices across institutions. By introducing a common classification approach, DISH is designed to support more consistent clinical documentation, outcome benchmarking and evidence generation across different surgical settings.

Global Clinician Validation Supports DISH Framework

The classification system was developed through a modified Delphi process involving surgical experts from multiple specialties and healthcare disciplines. Its language and grading approach were validated for inter- and intra-rater reliability among a multinational group of more than 60 clinicians, representing more than 30 countries and 14 specialties. The final framework includes separate scales for clinical presentation and clinical management, allowing care teams to document what is observed at the surgical site as well as how the complication is managed. Importantly, the system does not prescribe specific treatment pathways, allowing clinicians to retain independent judgment while using a consistent method for reporting surgical outcomes. The initiative was initially introduced to a broader surgical expert community in 2024 through Johnson & Johnson’s Surgical Outcomes Program Steering Committee.

Advertisement

cGxPJobs Banner

Standardized Data Could Strengthen Surgical Care

The publication of DISH represents a MedTech-focused effort to improve surgical outcome measurement by creating a standardized language that can be applied across specialties and institutions. Wound-related complications can contribute to postoperative readmissions and increased healthcare burden, while inconsistent reporting can limit the ability of healthcare teams to understand the frequency and management of these events. A common classification system could help healthcare organizations compare outcomes, identify improvement opportunities and generate more consistent clinical data. Johnson & Johnson said broader adoption and data collection using the framework could ultimately help clinicians better understand factors associated with improved surgical outcomes. The DISH system therefore represents an infrastructure-level development in surgical care rather than a new medical treatment, with its potential value dependent on clinical adoption, consistent implementation and future evidence generated through standardized reporting.

Source:Johnson & Johnson press relese