[Total thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter].

Multinodular goiter is a frequent disease which plays a central role in the daily routine of general and visceral surgeons. Analyses of the national DRG statistics reveal that total thyroidectomy is increasingly replacing partial thyroid resections. This paradigm shift is substantiated by the comprehension of multinodular goiter as a disease affecting the whole organ as well as the fact that total thyroidectomy avoids high risk secondary interventions for incidental thyroid carcinomas and recurrent disease while offering comparable operative risks. However, the available evidence on operative results originates predominantly from thyroid centers and clinical data regarding long-term effects of thyroid hormone substitution following total as well as sub-total thyroidectomy are lacking. Therefore, the preservation of functionally relevant normal thyroid tissue retains its relevancy as an alternative treatment. If a comparably low operative risk can be guaranteed and considering the patient's compliance, life situation and wishes, total thyroidectomy represents the optimal therapy for bilateral multinodular goiter.