Objective To assess the more appropriate surgical treatment for low-risk group differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods A total of 42 low-risk patients with DTC, according to the AMES system ( male, n = 6; female, n = 36), were chosen for total thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy with center compartment lymphadectomy. Results Nineteen patients had cervical lymph node involvement. Two patients had recurrent nerve injured. One patient had hypoparathyroidism. There were no mortality or local lymph recurrent up to present.Conclusion Total thyroidectomy or subtotal thyroidectomy with prophylactic center compartment lymphadectomy is an appropriate approach for the treatment of low-risk group differentiated thyroed cancer, to prevent recurrent and improve life quality.