ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical and pathological features of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, and to assess the value and safety of total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection in the treatment of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma. MethodsClinical data of 103 patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, who underwent total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection in Affliated Dongfeng Hospital from June 2011 to February 2015 were collected retrospectively. Preoperative ultrasound showed that all patients didn't suffered from cervical lymph node metastasis. ResultsAmong 103 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy plus central lymph node dissection, the unilateral multiple lesions were found in 55 patients (53.40%), and the bilateral multiple lesions were found in 48 patients (46.60%). A total of 31 patients (30.10%) were confirmed to have central lymph node metastasis after operation, central lymph node metastasis only located in the same side of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma in 16 patients (29.10%), but of 15 patients (31.25%) with 2-side of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma, 7 patients suffered from 2-side central lymph node metastasis and 8 patients suffered from 1-side central lymph node metastasis. Thirty patients (12.62%) suffered from transient postoperative hypocalcemia after operation, and returned to normal for longest of 2 weeks; 1 patient (0.97%) suffered from parathyroid permanent damage; 18 patients (17.48%) suffered from transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, no one suffered from permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury; 3 patients (2.91%) suffered from postoperative transient drinking cough. All of 103 patients were followed up for 5 months to 4 years, and the postoperative follow-up rate was 100%. During the follow-up period, 3 patients (2.91%) suffered from cervical lymph node metastasis in side region of neck. ConclusionTotal thyroidectomy plus prophylactic central lymph node dissection plays an important role in the treatment of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma.