- bilateral multinodular goiter, enlargement of contralateral thyroid lobe (volume on ultrasound >10 ml), suspicion of thyroid cancer, previous thyroid surgery, thyroiditis, subclinical or clinically overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pregnancy or lactation, age < 18 years or > 65 years, ASA 4 grade (American Society of Anesthesiology), and inability to comply with the follow-up protocol