The results of operative treatment of 245 patients aged from 17 to 72 years with various forms of goiter are analyzed. Of these, 90 patients were
operated under local anesthesia, 114 under endotracheal anesthesia. 41 patients were operated under endotracheal anesthesia using a contact AIG laser. The analysis of the results shows the use of a contact AIG laser in surgical interventions on the thyroid gland that allowed to significantly reduce postoperative complications. In practice, the opinion circulated among surgeons was not confirmed, that during surgery under anesthesia, the risk of damage to the laryngeal nerves increases.