Improvement in chronic pelvic pain, orthostatic intolerance and interstitial cystitis symptoms after treatment of pelvic vein insufficiency

• Published in: Phlebology 2024-04, Vol.39 (3), p.202-213
• Main Authors: Smith, Steven J, Sichlau, Michael J, Smith, B Holly, Knight, Dacre RT, Chen, Brenda, Rowe, Peter C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0268-3555; 1758-1125
• DOI: 10.1177/02683555231219737

Objectives Comorbidities associated with venous origin chronic pelvic pain (VO-CPP) were evaluated pre and post venous treatment to assess change. Materials and methods 45 women with VO-CPP were treated with venous stenting and/or embolization. Four surveys assessed symptoms pre- and post-treatment: IPPS (chronic pelvic pain), PUF (interstitial cystitis), OHQ (dysautonomia), and modified ROME III (IBS). Prevalence of joint hypermobility was investigated. Results Ages were 18–65. Pretreatment, 64% and 49% of women were in the severe range for PUF and OHQ, respectively. 40% and 56% met criteria for IBS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (EDS/HSD), respectively. 17eceived an iliac stent, 5 pelvic embolization, and 23 both. Post-treatment, average scores improved: IPPS (by 55%), PUF (34%), and OHQ (49%). Rome III improved only slightly. Conclusion Pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, and dysautonomia were frequently found with VO-CPP and improved after venous treatment. EDS/HSD and IBS were common in these women.