Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Embolization

Occlusion of dilated pelvic veins (pelvic varicocele) responsible for chronic pelvic pain.

Women's Health

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Embolization

Synonyms : pelvic varicose vein treatment, pelvic venous embolization

Background and indications

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a frequent but underdiagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain in women, related to pelvic varicose veins (ovarian and uterine vein dilation). Embolization is offered after medical treatment failure.

Benefits

Pelvic pain improvement in 70-85% of cases, minimally invasive outpatient treatment, alternative to surgery.

Procedure

Under local anesthesia, a catheter is introduced via the jugular or femoral vein and guided successively into the ovarian and internal iliac veins. Coils and/or a sclerosing agent are used to close the incompetent veins. The procedure lasts 1-2 hours.

Risks

Transient pelvic pain, coil migration (exceptional), phlebitis, contrast reaction.

Recovery and follow-up

Same-day or next-day discharge. Symptom improvement is gradual over 2-4 weeks. Follow-up consultation at 3 months.

Practical information

Local anesthesia. Outpatient procedure (return home the same day).