Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Varicose veins in the pelvis can produce constant, dull pain and pressure in the abdomen and back. We refer to this as pelvic congestion syndrome. Traditionally difficult to diagnose and treat, we can now do so using ovarian vein embolization— a new and highly effective minimally invasive procedure that shrinks the veins by blocking blood flow. The interventional radiologist inserts a thin catheter through the neck, threading it into the swollen pelvic veins using X-ray guidance. They insert tiny coils to block the veins, cutting blood flow to the effected area and relieving painful pressure. The procedure takes about an hour and patients return to normal activities within two to three days.