Objective：To explore the operative procedures for thyroid microcarcinoma.
Methods：The clinical data of 116 cases of thyroid microcarcinoma were retrospectively analyzed.
Results：There were various operative procedures used in the treatment of 116 cases of thyroid microcarcinoma that included subtotal thyroidectomy, partial thyroidectomy and ipsilateral lobectomy. The recurrence rate and metastasis rate were closely related with the range of operation.  Four cases of postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis occurred in the patients who underwent only ipsilateral partial lobectomy.
Conclusions：The selection of operative procedure for thyroid microcarcinoma must be determined according to the tumor location and the number (single or multiple). It is recommended to perform ipsilateral lobectomy plus isthmectomy or  subtotal and neartotal thyroidectomy with or without central lymph node dissection for thyroid microcarcinoma.