BACKGROUND Earlier meta-analyses demonstrated conflicting results on whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) reduces rate of intubation in the postoperative period when compared to conventional oxygen therapy (COT). Since then, newer studies have come out, so an updated comparison of these two modalities is warranted. AIM To determine whether HFNC reduces the rate of reintubation compared to COT. METHODS We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis, searching databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sci