Chest tube removal after cardiac surgery in first vs. second post-operative day: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This meta‑analysis evaluated early versus late chest tube removal after cardiac surgery. Early removal shortened hospital stay without affecting mortality, infection, atrial fibrillation, or ICU length of stay. However, it was associated with a higher risk of pericardial effusion and a trend toward increased pleural effusion. These findings support early chest tube removal in appropriately selected patients, provided it is paired with careful risk stratification and post‑removal surveillance.
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