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Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology 1/2013

01-02-2013 | Clinical Investigation

Embolization of Incompetent Pelvic Veins for the Treatment of Recurrent Varicose Veins in Lower Limbs and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Authors: Luis Meneses, Mario Fava, Pía Diaz, Marcelo Andía, Cristian Tejos, Pablo Irarrazabal, Sergio Uribe

Published in: CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

We present our experience with embolization of incompetent pelvic veins (IPV) in women with recurrence of varicose veins (VV) in lower limbs, as well as symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), after first surgery. In addition, we evaluated the effects of embolization in decreasing the symptoms of VV before surgery as well as its effects on PCS symptoms.

Materials and Methods

We included 10 women who had consulted a vascular surgeon because of recurrent VV in lower limbs after surgery. All of these patients were included in the study because they also had symptoms of PCS, probably due to IPV. In patients who had confirmed IPV, we performed embolization before a second surgery. VV and PCS were assessed before and at 3 months after embolization (before the second surgery) using a venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and a visual analog pain scale (VAS), respectively. Patients were controlled between 3 and 6 months after embolization. Paired Student t test analysis was used for comparing data before and after embolization.

Results

Fifteen vein segments in 10 women were suitable for embolization. There was a significant (p < 0.001) decrease of VCSS after embolization, and recurrence of VV was not detected within a period of 6 months. There was also significant (p < 0.01) relief of chronic pelvic pain related to PCS evaluated using VAS at 3 months after embolization.

Conclusion

Embolization decreases the risk of VV recurrence after surgery and also improves PCS symptoms in women with VV in lower limbs and IPV.
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Metadata
Title
Embolization of Incompetent Pelvic Veins for the Treatment of Recurrent Varicose Veins in Lower Limbs and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Authors
Luis Meneses
Mario Fava
Pía Diaz
Marcelo Andía
Cristian Tejos
Pablo Irarrazabal
Sergio Uribe
Publication date
01-02-2013
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 0174-1551
Electronic ISSN: 1432-086X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-012-0389-x

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