Gynecological Vital Cytology is an atlas of phase-contrast microscopy for the gynecologist and clinician doing office gynecological examinations. The book describes briefly the practical application of cytology for the physician's office laboratory and illustrates the advantages of phase-contrast over conventional bright-field microscopy. Stoll advocates the use of the wet mount preparation under phase-contrast for evaluation of ovarian function, diagnosis of microorganisms, search for tumor cells, and for several other functions. The author points out correctly that the direct examination should not replace the conventional Papanicolaou determination but should complement this procedure.
His outline for a complete clinical examination would include obtaining secretions from the vagina for wet mount preparation, vaginal and cervical secretions for Papanicolaou smears, and colposcopy. Since phasecontrast microscopy, as well as colposcopy, are more popular in Europe than in the United States, American clinicians might appreciate learning about some of the advantages of this rapid diagnostic office