[Struma with euthyroidism ]

A total of 75-85% of thyroid operations are performed on euthyroid goiters; 70% of them are bilateral. Ultrasonography is the most important preoperatively examination. But even lobes classified as normal should be inspected carefully during operations: nodules were found in so called "normal" lobes in 22%. All nodules have to be resected, and attention must be paid to retrosternal and retrovisceral parts. Identification of recurrent nerves and parathyroid glands is necessary. Recurrent goiters should be prepared intercapsularly. In our own 3049 cases of euthyroid goiters 2.4% had early recurrent nerve paralysis, 3.9% retrosternal and 6.6% recurrent goiters.