Gynecological oncology surgery has shown substantial progress in recent years. Most of the advances come from gynecologists with full time commitments to gynecological oncology. Jt is important for the general obstetrician-gynecologist to be informed about the possibilities offered by modern gyneco­ logical oncology. Thus he or she may acquire new techniques which can be used in general gynecological practice. On the other hand it is essential to know what his or her colleagues, specialised in gynecological oncology can offer in oncology centres. The chapters in this book are based on a post-graduate course organised by the Boerhaave Committee for post-graduate medical education of the medical faculty of the University of Leiden, in the Netherlands. In view of the considerable interest shown by many highly qualified specialists we are extremely grateful to our contributors who were prepared to lucidly present their knowledge and expertise within the covers of the present book. One of the conclusion of this book must be that the special surgical skills needed for adequate treatment of gynecological cancer cannot be developed within general residency programs. Thus European gynecologists should examine whether and to what extent additional training as usual in the U.S.A. is necessary. The editors want to thank the Royal College of Obstericians and Gynecologists for their kind permission to reproduce the contribution of J.A. Jordan (chapter 7 from "pre-clinical neoplasia of the cervix" (London, 1982). A.P.M. Heintz, M.D. C.Th.G~i66ith~,M.D.