Whether it is better to have a total thyroid excision, or a half excision, depends on the condition to make a comprehensive judgment. First of all, it depends on whether it is a benign or malignant tumor, and whether the benign tumor is single or multiple. Generally, for unilateral benign tumor, only unilateral lobectomy is needed. If there are nodules on both sides, it is better to do a total thyroidectomy. If it is a thyroid cancer, such as single thyroid cancer, only unilateral lobectomy can be done. However, some people have multifocal or bilateral lobe thyroid cancer, or have ipsilateral neck lymph node metastasis, or contralateral neck lymph node metastasis. Others have a family history of thyroid cancer or a history of heavy radiation exposure in adolescents, which are all high risk factors and require total thyroidectomy. The advantage of unilateral thyroidectomy is less complications, but the disadvantage is higher recurrence rate for thyroid cancer with more high risk factors.