Key result
Postoperative pleural effusions occur in ~86% after Endo-CAB but rarely require thoracocentesis.
Why the study?
Postoperative pleural effusion is common after Endo-CAB, but its postoperative course, radiographic threshold for clinical significance, and associated risk factors needed evaluation.
Cohort (n=727)
No
Pleural effusion is a frequent but typically self-limiting complication following endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery, with clinically significant cases driven by older age, higher BMI, DAPT continuation, and blood transfusions.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May warrant enhanced postoperative surveillance after endoscopic CABG; leaves open whether targeted interventions reduce clinically significant effusions.
Postoperative pleural effusion (PE) is a common finding after endoscopic-assisted, minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery (Endo-CAB). This study evaluated its postoperative course, defined a threshold for clinically significant PE, and identified associated risk factors. Between May 2021 and January 2026, 727 patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 3141 postoperative chest X-rays obtained during hospitalization and follow-up were reviewed to quantify PE. Clinically significant PE was defined as ≥25% on radiographic assessment. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed, and logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. All patients received oral diuretics for two weeks after discharge as standard protocol. PE occurred in 86.1% of patients, typically developing within the first two postoperative days, with a median maximum of 13% [5–21%]. By the third postoperative week, PE had resolved to 0% [0–0%] in most cases. Adjustment of diuretic therapy was required in 18.3%, while 5.1% underwent thoracocentesis. Clinically significant PE occurred in 15.4% and was associated with longer hospital stay and increased blood transfusion rates. Independent risk factors included age, body mass index, continuation of dual antiplatelet therapy, and blood transfusion. Overall, PE is frequent but usually self-limiting after Endo-CAB.
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Sampon et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Postoperative pleural effusion (n=727). Endoscopic-assisted coronary bypass surgery (Endo-CAB) was evaluated on Incidence of postoperative pleural effusion. Postoperative pleural effusion occurred in 86.1% of patients following endoscopic-assisted coronary bypass surgery, but was generally self-limiting with only 5.1% requiring thoracocentesis.
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