26TOTAL AND SUBTOTAL THYROIDECTOMY PROCEDURES IN MULTI-NODULAR GOITRETotal and subtotal thyroidectomies are the two selective procedures involved in treating Multi-nodular goitre. The comparison of two operation procedures in terms of occurrence of postoperative morbidity and the functional outcome. A total number of 110 patients with multi-nodular goitre were treated surgically in RMMCH. A group of 39 patients underwent subtotal thyroidectomy were compared with 71 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy. The obtained data included patient demographics, operation type, pathology, hospital stay and post-operative early and late complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, parathyroid gland affection, wound infection, hematoma, and death. There was no significant difference in the sex, age, duration of goitre or hormonal status between the two groups. The compression symptoms and recent enlargement of the gland represent the two main indications for surgery in both groups. The mean operating time and the mean hospital stay was shorter in the subtotal group when compared with the total group. The difference in the incidence of transient and permanent nerve palsy between the two groups was not significant. The incidence of postoperative temporary hypocalcaemia was significantly higher in total thyroidectomy group while the incidence of permanent hypocalcaemia significant between the two groups. The rate of permanent complications with total thyroidectomy is not greater than that of subtotal thyroidectomy so, it can be performed safely and should be recommended as the procedure of choice for patients requiring surgical treatment for multi-nodular goitre.juniorsundresh@yahoo.comResearch322013Goitre, Total Thyroidectomy,Subtotal ThyroidectomyN.Junior Sundresh,K.Ashwini,B.Anilkumar,P.Padmini,N.Charan,T.Adiveni,K.HarithaDepartment of Surgery, Rajah Muthiah Medical College & Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Annamalai University, Chidambaram- 608002, Tamilnadu, India