DOI: 10.1177/02683555231219737 ISSN: 0268-3555

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

Steven J Smith, Michael J Sichlau, B Holly Smith, Dacre RT Knight, Brenda Chen, Peter C Rowe
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • General Medicine

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.

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