Pelvic Varicose Veins — Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

🔹 What is pelvic congestion syndrome?

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is caused by dilated, insufficient pelvic veins (ovarian and/or hypogastric veins), leading to chronic pelvic pain worsened at the end of the day, heaviness, pain during or after intercourse, and vulvar or lower limb varicosities.

🔹 Principle

Embolization consists of occluding the pathological pelvic veins using coils or sclerosing agents delivered through a catheter introduced via a neck vein (jugular) or groin vein, under fluoroscopic guidance. Outpatient procedure, no surgery, no general anesthesia.

🔹 Who is eligible?

Women with chronic pelvic pain for more than 6 months, confirmed pelvic varicosities on pelvic MRI or echo-Doppler, with significant functional impairment. The decision is made after multidisciplinary evaluation.

🔹 Procedure

Outpatient: arrive in the morning, leave same day. Local anesthesia. Selective catheterization of the ovarian and/or hypogastric veins. Injection of embolizing agents (coils, sclerosing foam). Duration: 45 to 90 minutes.

🔹 Results

70 to 85% of patients report significant pain improvement at 2 years. The procedure does not affect fertility or ovarian function. Follow-up consultation at 3 months.

📄 Patient information sheet

📄 Patient Information Sheet