Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical otoscope for examining and operating upon the external ear canal and tympanum. The surgical otoscope comprises an optical diagnostic instrument and an adapter member attached thereto. An image conveyer and a light transmitter are located within the optical-diagnostic instrument and extend therefrom and into the adapter member. The adapter member includes extendable and retractable surgical instrumentation and a suction tube. The combination of optical diagnostic and surgical instrumentation in the same device a enables a physician to simultaneously examine and operate upon the external ear canal and tympanum. Accordingly, the physician may selectively use the instruments while viewing the areas to be examined or operated upon through the same device.