There are many types of thyroid disorders and their treatment options vary. Doctors and patients are very concerned about the surgical indications for thyroid diseases, which are now categorized and described. I. Indications for surgery for thyroid nodules (1) The vast majority of malignant thyroid nodules are indications for surgery. A small number of malignant tumors metastasized to the thyroid gland require careful consideration of whether to operate and the efficacy of surgery, and some patients with special types of malignant tumors originating in the thyroid gland need to undergo multidisciplinary discussion to decide on the treatment plan. Surgeons should consult with other doctors to determine the best comprehensive treatment plan. (2) Benign thyroid nodules can generally be considered for observation and follow-up, but if the nodules are large and have localized compression symptoms (trachea and esophagus compression symptoms), surgery is needed. (3) Ultrasonography suggests solid thyroid nodules, after repeated examination or biopsy, cytology fails to diagnose the person should consider surgical treatment. (4) Progressive growth of thyroid nodules, clinical consideration of malignant tendency or combination of high risk factors for thyroid cancer. (5) Thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology results in follicular tumors, and there is no autonomous high-functioning nodules, surgery can be considered. (6) Surgery may be considered for thyroid nodules combined with co-morbid hyperthyroidism, which is ineffective with regular medical treatment. (7) Thyroid nodules located in the retrosternum or mediastinum. (8) Those who strongly request surgery due to appearance or excessive ideological concerns affecting normal life can be considered as relative indications for surgical treatment. B. Indications for surgery for hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) (1) Moderate or severe hyperthyroidism is ineffective after regular antithyroid medication, or recurs after stopping the medication, or recurs after 131I treatment, or those who are unable to adhere to long-term medication. (2)Significantly enlarged thyroid gland, accompanied by compression symptoms, or retrosternal goiter and other types of hyperthyroidism. (3) Secondary hyperthyroidism (toxic multinodular goiter) or high-functioning adenoma. (4) Hyperthyroidism combined with thyroid cancer or highly suspicious thyroid malignant tumor. The following conditions are contraindications to surgery: severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy; combination of severe heart, liver and kidney disease, unable to tolerate surgery; the first three months of pregnancy and after the sixth month; adolescent hyperthyroidism. The most important thing to remember is the fact that the surgery is not necessary for the treatment of thyroiditis, but for the treatment of thyroiditis. (1) Acute thyroiditis with abscess formation, the regular internal medicine treatment is invalid. (2) Surgery is not considered for subacute thyroiditis, but may be considered if combined with thyroid cancer. Surgery should preferably be scheduled after the symptoms of subacute thyroiditis have disappeared. (3) Surgery is not considered for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Surgery is recommended if combined with thyroid cancer, or if complicated by recurrent hyperthyroidism or progressive moderate hyperthyroidism.