Lateral and total thyroidectomy refer to unilateral lobectomy of the thyroid gland and total thyroidectomy, with the main difference being the different extent of resection, indications, and postoperative complications. 1 Total resection refers to the removal of both glands of the thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy can remove multiple lesions at once, reducing the risk of recurrence and reoperation, but permanent hypothyroidism will occur after surgery, requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and there is a higher probability of surgical injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. The indication for total thyroidectomy is the presence of lesions on both sides of the thyroid gland. 2. Lateral thyroidectomy refers to the removal of one side of the thyroid gland and the preservation of the other side to maintain thyroid function, but there is a possibility of missing the tiny lesions in the opposite side of the thyroid gland. The indication for lateral thyroidectomy is tumors within one side of the gland. Specific surgical treatment options for the thyroid should be under the supervision of a physician.