Chest Tube Removal After Cardiac Surgery in First vs. Second Post-Operative Day: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of nine studies involving 8,557 patients found that early chest tube removal after cardiac surgery was associated with a higher risk of pericardial effusion, although it resulted in shorter hospital stays without significant differences in mortality or postoperative infections. The findings suggest that while early removal may be safe in terms of mortality and infections, it should be approached with caution and monitored closely for potential complications.