Surgical indication selection and complication prevention of total thyroidectomy for thyroid carcinoma        SUN Hui, LIU Xiao-li. Department of Thyroid Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun130033, China

Abstract    Applying the total thyroidectomy to treat thyroid carcinoma is commonly difficult, associated with complicated procedures and postoperative complications. Therefore, it is still controversial. As the development of the modern technologies, the indication for total thyroidectomy is expanding in foreign countries. However, the treatment guideline should be considered according to the local condition, individual therapy, and the operative balance between risk and necessity in China. The overall consideration is to reduce metastasis or recurrence of the thyroid carcinoma operation as the prerequisite, and as well as, prevent the complication and improve the quality of life.