Background: Although epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been proved be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and post-ablation AF recurrence, the relationship between EAT and AF after cardiac surgery (AFACS) is not evident, yet. Objective: In the study, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between EAT and AFACS and whether it is independent of the measurement methods. Methods: Systematic reach was implemented until May, 30, 2020, which “atrial fibrillation” and “epicardial adipose tissue” were as the main items in electronic databases. Analysis was stratified by EAT measurement methods into three pooled meta-analyses on 1) total EAT volume, 2) left atrium (LA)-EAT volume and 3) EAT thickness between two groups with and without AFACS, estimating standardized mean difference (SMD) with a random effect model. Results: Eight articles with ten studies (546 patients) were included. Accordingly, the results of meta-analysis showed that EAT was higher in AFACS subjects, regardless of the methods of EAT measurement.[ total EAT volume: SMD = 0.56 ml; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.56-1.10ml, I2 = 0.90, P=0.04; EAT thickness: SMD = 0.85mm; 95% CI = 0.04-1.65mm, I2 = 0.90, P=0.04; LA-EAT volume: SMD = 0.57ml, 95% CI = 0.23-0.92ml, I2 = 0.00, P=0.001.] And there was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: EAT may be a potential marker and therapeutic target for AFACS. However, larger scale studies are still required, and evaluation is needed to for further estimation.