Tube thoracostomy, which interests mainly thoracic surgeons and, in some hospitals, chest physicians and some other physicians, is an important application not only for insertion but also for removal with respect to appropriate technique and indications. Although there are many studies on the indications and insertion techniques of tube thoracostomy, information on its removal is quite insufficient. The aim of this review is to address literature data about the phase of respiration for removing chest tubes, and to emphasize the importance of this unresolved issue.