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Using monoclonal antibodies the total number of T-lymphocytes, as well as of helper and suppressor T-cells, was measured in peripheral venous blood of 78 women with carcinoma of the breast and 68 women without malignant disease (control group). There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards pre-operative values. The same was true with regard to different carcinoma stages. Serial tests on 15 patients who had received adjuvant chemotherapy revealed a reduction in the absolute number of all lymphoid cells except monocytes. Helper T-cells were more strongly affected than suppressor T-cells. By determining lymphocyte subpopulations in women with leukopenia caused by cytostatics one will probably be able to identify those patients particularly susceptible to infection. Determining T-cells may also make it possible to deduce a special recurrence risk.

The Morley incision is much less frequently used than the Pfannenstiel technique. Dividing the rectus muscle during laparotomy has both the advantages of the Pfannenstiel incision (good exposure of the pelvic organs, cosmetic appearance, decreased risk of hernia formation) as well as those of the midline approach (access to the upper abdomen). Between October 1992 and April 1994, the Morley technique was used in 73 cases. In 33 patients, radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma was performed. In 40 patients, the Morley incision was used for treatment of carcinoma of the endometrium (20), ovarian masses (16), large fibroids (3) or marked obesity (1). The rate of secondary wound healing was 10%. On patient required hernia repair. No postoperative bleeding and no haematomas were observed. The Morley technique is an excellent alternative to the standard midline incision whenever optimal exposure of the pelvic viscera is required as well as an acceptable access to the upper abdomen.