CONCLUSION

A routine chest X-ray following chest drain removal in adult and paediatric patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery is not necessary. It can be omitted without compromising patient safety. Obtaining chest X-rays should be guided by the development of respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. An alternative to the chest X-ray is to perform a bedside ultrasound, which is rapid, safe, cost-effective and accurately identifies pneumothorax without ionising radiation. Further research is required to identify the asymptomatic patients with a clinically significant pneumothorax, who may need subsequent intervention.