I was wondering what test can be performed to detect which veins in the pelvis are refluxing. I am having a hysterectomy and have been told if we know which veins are refluxing they can be taken care of during the hysterectomy surgery.
The best test for venous reflux in the legs is a duplex sonogram with color doppler. Pelvic vein reflux or pelvic congestion syndrome is best diagnosed with either an MRV or pelvic venogram.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Varicose veins in the legs are best studied with a reflux ultrasound. Varicose veins in the pelvis are studied either by MRI or a Pelvic venogram. If varicose veins are discovered in the pelvis and they are causing symptoms, they can be treated with minimally invasive techniques including embolization. These pelvic varicose veins, often referred to as"Pelvic Venous Congestion" , are hard to see during laproscopic hysterectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A very important question is why are you having the hysterectomy?
If you are having it because of pelvic congestion sydrome, you should be aware of your options. As for the best non-invasive test to diagnose pelvic congestion I would recommend MRI and MRV. This will show abnormal veins as well as any abnormalities of the uterus. Consulting with an interventional radiologist with experience treating pelvic congestion sydrome would be helpful.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you should have a venous reflux exam (venous duplex ultrasound).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Varicose veins in the legs are best studied with a reflux ultrasound. Varicose veins in the pelvis are studied either by MRI or a Pelvic venogram. If varicose veins are discovered in the pelvis and they are causing symptoms, they can be treated with minimally invasive techniques including embolization. These pelvic varicose veins, often referred to as"Pelvic Venous Congestion" , are hard to see during laproscopic hysterectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes. ULtrasound study using 2d, color duplex, and doppler, is currently the safest, and best method for evaluating venous reflux disease, as well as search for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Naturally expertise and experience of the sonographer doing the study is very important. Standard study, limited to scanning greater and lesser saphenous and deep veins only, can miss many other reflux sources, and anatomical variations which are very common in the case of lower extremity veins. Thus many phelbologists have learnt with experience, that they cannot rely heavily on a paper report brought in from regular radiology centers. Generally speaking, those sonographers who work at clinics which directly provide daily care to different vein problems, are expected to have the necessary valuable experience in this area. There are few doctors who perform ultrasound study of vein problems themselves, and since the same person is in charge treatment decision making, better overall results can be expected, since the doctor is always present and can re-do ultrasound scanning at every visit, and whenever there is a need for ultrasound re-evaluation. Other studies such as contrast-venography can be used for limited specific cases.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A hysterectomy usually does not solve pelvic venous congestion due to venous insufficiency in the pelvic veins and ovarian veins. Abdominal/pelvic venous color duplex ultrasound (which is a special ultrasound study requiring a very skilled vascular technologist) is an important study. Sometimes, MR venography or CT venography are useful. Ultimately, if the diagnosis of pelvic venous insufficiency seems to be correct, venograms performed through a shealth in the femoral or jugular vein are important studies. It is important to be evaluated by a physician with experience managing pelvic venous congestion, usually a vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would suggest consulting with an Interverntional Radiologist who has experience with diagnosing and treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome. If venous reflux is what is causing your pelvic pain, you may avoid a hysterectomy. The way to diagnose pelvic vein reflux is with an ovarian vein as well as internal iliac vein venography.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is comprised of your intake form, History & Physical with the doctor, and duplex-ultrasound to determine source of reflux.
Published on Jul 11, 2012