The results of 601 operations of the middle ear, including 50% of myringoplasties, performed between 1984 and 1989 are analysed. The standard Schuller's view radiography and the scanner are unreliable in determining the presence of a cholesteatoma recorded in 119 cases. The functional value of the Eustachian tube is important for taking the graft. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the results depending on whether or not fibrin sealant was used, depending on the seat of the perforation, on the use of a homograft or of an autograft, and on age (before or after 14 years).