Results of surgical treatment of 81 patients with recurrent goiter and 79 patients with benign nodular forms of goiter are analyzed. Based on clinical data, results of ultrasonic and histological examinations, it was determined that recurrence of goiter does not depend on volume of surgery. It is seen in patients with subclinical forms of postoperative hypothyreosis and in half of cases with lymphoid infiltration of I - IV degree. Dispensary observation and timely prescription of suppressive therapy, if it is necessary, permit to reduce number of goiter recurrences from 8.2 to 2.5%.