Can any intervention effectively reduce the pain associated with chest drain removal?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether any intervention effectively reduces the pain associated with chest drain removal. Altogether 94 papers were found using the reported search, of which 6 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that there is minimal evidence for the effectiveness of a single approach to providing analgaesia for chest drain removal. Studies in the literature contain small numbers and are underpowered to address the questions they ask.