[Cold nodules of the thyroid gland. Therapeutic strategy, histopathological results and postoperative events (author's transl)].

Isotopic investigation of the thyroid disorders has brought up the notion of cold areas. These cold foci may exist in a goiter or in an otherwise normal gland (isolated cold nodules). A number of these are cancers, especially the isolated nodules. Thus the best treatment is the systematic resection of the area containing the lesion: i.e. subtotal thyroidectomy for a goiter and partial thyroidectomy for isolated cold nodules. The technique is described. We prefer the delayed histological analysis which is more reliable. It will command the following treatment, for instance a total resection in case of cancer. Histological analyses of resected specimens are presented. The postoperative results are examined: there are few complications either early or late. When systematically researched, postresection hypothyroidism is rare.