Ninety-nine ears of otitis media with cholesteatoma were operated from October 1982. The indications for different techniques and staging principles were discussed in detail. One to four years' postoperative observation in 72 ears proved that residual cholesteatoma could be controlled to 1.4%. Patients undergone intact wall technique had maintained almost normal ear structure. With the open cavity technique, a large external auditory meatus was created with perfectly healed drum. Auditory results indicated that 66.5% of patients had hearing gain greater than or equal to 10 dB with 41.7% air-bone gap less than or equal to 20 dB.