During a work-up for my leg, varicose veins were found in my pelvic region. I was found to have pelvic congestion syndrome. I have significant regurgitation in my legs and pelvic pain. Is surgery still recommended? What is the treatment of choice?
The best treatment for PCS is to reduce the pressure causing the pelvic congestion. If the PCS is due to reflux of the ovarian veins then this can be treated by coil embolization. Following this the leg and groin varicosities can be managed by a combination of venous ablation procedures, sclerotherapy and and microphlebectomies. PCS is usually treated by combinations of treatments. It is most important to find the source of the reflux. See a vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The surgery is minimally invasive normally done by interventional radiologists who use imaging to guide them in procedures. Many times women will start by having the procedure, called a pelvic venogram and coil embolization to close off the problematic veins in the pelvis. Sometimes that can solve the problem in the legs as well, but other types of minimally invasive treatments are used to treat the venous insufficiency in the legs as well. Make sure you see interventional radiologists for these procedures. Some physicians will recommend a hysterectomy to solve the problem, but having a hysterectomy is never a guarantee to solve pelvic congestion syndrome. That is why the pelvic venogram with coil embolization is a more suitable option. If you need assistance in finding a doctor, you can go the website of the American College of Phlebology to find a Dr. in your area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
As a vein treatment specialist ( phlebologist), I never find surgery a treatment of choice when addressing vein issues or PCS. Modern vein treatment techniques allow a person to have their leg veins treated without any cutting or stripping. Modern treatments now revolve around lasers and ultrasound/visual injections. Any reputable vein treatment doc should ultimately address all parts of your leg in their treatment protocol.
As for your pelvic pain, what I find is that many people experience pelvic pain because of the varicosities that exist in and around the groin region. We find that injecting these vulvar/groin varicosities can often eliminate a person's discomfort entirely. Again doing so without surgery/cutting. If you would like us to evaluate you further.
Published on Jul 11, 2012