The role of the rigid endoscope has been evaluated in the management of 36 cases with dry central perforation of the tympanic membrane. The graft take rate was 91.7 per cent and the air-bone gap was closed to less than 10 dB in 83.3 per cent. The use of the rigid endoscope in the management of dry central perforation of the drum represented a significant advance in middle ear surgery. It is used, in correlation with manometry, to evaluate the tubal function before ear surgery and to treat hidden causes of tubal obstruction. It replaces the operating microscope in observation and surgery of the tympanic membrane perforation. It overcomes anatomical variations that hamper access to the entire tympanic membrane during ear surgery. It provides an extremely sharp image with high resolution.