Objective To evaluate the therapeutic value of total thyroidectomy in the thyroid carcinoma.Methods 87 patients of thyroid carcinoma were operated by one surgeon with total thyroidectomy from 1985-2000 in our hospital, We carried out a retrospective research for the complication rates and postoperative iodine 131 treatment. Results Observing after operation revealed that there were 2(2.3%) of recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, 1(1.1%) of thypocalecimia, 1(1.1%) of atelectasis, and no deaths, permanent laryngeal nerve damage, or permanent hypocalcemia.Conclusion Total thyroidectomy is safe and effective procedure in the treatment of thyroid carcinoma, this approach can offer the advantage of removal of tissue at risk for malignant transformation,and enhances the use of the postoperative iodine 131 treatment.