What Is It?
Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a condition that occurs when veins in the pelvis become swollen and engorged. This can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pain, discomfort during intercourse, and heaviness in the pelvic region. In cases where conservative treatments like pain medication or hormonal therapy don’t provide relief, interventional radiology (IR) procedures may be considered.
How Is It Treated?
One of the IR procedures used to address pelvic congestion syndrome is called pelvic venous embolization (PVE). Here’s an explanation of the procedure:
- Preparation – Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation, including a medical history review and imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and to identify the specific veins causing the congestion.
- Anesthesia – The patient will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. Conscious sedation may also be provided to help the patient relax during the procedure.
- Catheter Insertion – Under the guidance of imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound, a thin catheter (a long, flexible tube) is inserted into a vein, typically through a small incision in the groin area.
- Venography – Contrast dye is injected through the catheter, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the pelvic veins. This helps the interventional radiologist identify the specific veins that are dilated or congested.
- Embolization – Once the problematic veins are identified, the interventional radiologist will use various embolic agents (such as coils, foam, or sclerosing agents) to block off these veins. This process is known as embolization. The choice of embolic agent depends on factors such as the size and location of the veins being treated.
- Post-Procedure – After the embolization is complete, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is usually monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Pelvic venous embolization is considered a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate in relieving symptoms associated with pelvic congestion syndrome. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, which should be discussed with the treating physician beforehand.
What Happens After The Procedure?
Patients can typically resume normal activities within a day or two following the procedure. Some mild discomfort, bruising, or spotting at the insertion site is normal and should resolve within a few days.
Patients will usually have a follow-up appointment with their interventional radiologist to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms.
