ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical value of elective central compartment lymph node dissection for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma. MethodThe clinical data of 326 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma from January 2007 to December 2011 in this hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsThe lymph node metastasis incidence was 35.89%(117/326) in 326 patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, which in the patients with age < 45 years, tumor diameter > 1 cm, and thyroidal tumor infiltrated envelope were significantly higher than those in the pati-ents with age≥45 years, tumor diameter≤1 cm, and thyroidal tumor not-infiltrated envelope (age:46.56% versus 28.72%, P=0.001;tumor diameter:44.44% versus 26.45%, P=0.001;infiltrated envelope:50.00% versus 33.09%, P=0.020).Multivariate analysis showed that age < 45 years and tumor diameter > 1 cm were independent risk factors for central compartment lymph node metastasis of cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.There were 6 cases of temporary recu-rrent laryngeal nerve injury, 18 cases of temporary hypoparathyroidism, 4 cases of temporary superior laryngeal nerve injury, and 1 case of acute caryngeal edema.There were no complications such as permanent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypoparathyroidism.Three cases had lateral cervical lymph node metastases during a follow-up of 7-67 months (mean 31.2 months). ConclusionsIt is necessary and safe to perform elective central compartment lymph node dissec-tion for cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma.The elective central compartment lymph node dissection should be considered in patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma, especially in patients with age of < 45 years and tumor diameter > 1 cm.