Post-Phlebitic Syndrome

Post-phlebitic syndrome is a condition of significant venous insufficiency and venous stasis following deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Most DVT’s resolve with just conservative treatment on chronic blood thinners. However, some DVTs can cause significant obstruction of blood flow out of the lower part of the leg, so much so that the lower legs become terribly swollen, tense, and painful with all of the venous stasis complications including venous stasis ulcers. This complication of DVT is a life-long condition, and the treatment is very difficult with mixed results.

The most important thing about post-phlebitic syndrome is prevention. Following the diagnosis of DVT, the patient should be evaluated immediately by a vein specialist or a vascular surgeon with an interest in treating DVTs. If the blood clot in a DVT can be reversed by clot-“dissolving” medication, it should be considered as a potential treatment to “re-opening” the obstructed deep vein. Studies show that early reversal of DVT and keeping the deep veins open is associated with much reduced incidence of post-phlebitic syndrome.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Chronic pelvic pain is a relatively common complaint among women, affecting up to 15% of all women between the ages of 20 to 50. For some women, the cause of their discomfort may be pelvic congestion syndrome, a hard-to-diagnose condition characterized by the formation of varicose veins in the pelvic area. Pelvic congestion syndrome is an uncomfortable but treatable vein condition, once it is properly identified by a vein specialist.

RISK FACTORS FOR PELVIC CONGESTION SYNDROME

Common risk factors for women diagnosed with pelvic congestion syndrome include:

  • Two or more pregnancies (the condition is rarely seen in women who have never been pregnant)
  • Hormonal abnormalities or dysfunction
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Varicose veins around the buttocks, thighs or vaginal area

Symptoms of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

The primary symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome is chronic pain, which may worsen in the following circumstances:

  • Directly following intercourse
  • During pregnancy
  • During menstruation
  • After standing for prolonged periods
  • At the end of the day

Treatment for Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

Pelvic congestion syndrome often goes untreated, due to the difficulty in diagnosing the condition. Varicose veins in the pelvic area often cannot be detected when the patient is lying down, which is the position for many diagnostic tests for pelvic discomfort. However, once the condition is diagnosed, treatment is relatively straightforward.

The most common treatment for this condition is embolization of the varicose veins. The procedure involves the insertion of a narrow catheter into the affected vein, which delivers a sclerosing agent to seal vein walls shut. Blood is rerouted through healthy veins nearby and the treated vein eventually disappears completely.

Contact Us

Does pelvic congestion syndrome affect your quality of life? We look forward to discussing treatments to relieve your discomfort. Please call our Springfield, MA office at 413.732.4242 or use the form below.