Treatments we provide
Ovarian Vein Embolisation
Ovarian vein embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pelvic congestion syndrome. It involves blocking refluxing veins, preventing the back-flow of blood into the pelvic veins.
Procedure
A small catheter inserted through your groin or neck is guided through your blood vessels to the affected vein under x-ray guidance. The refluxing ovarian veins are blocked using coils and sclerosant liquid, thereby stopping backflow. This causing the blood to redirect to other healthy blood vessels.
The procedure takes approximately 60 min and is performed as a day procedure meaning you can go home the same day.
What are the benefits of ovarian vein embolisation?
Benefits of having an ovarian vein embolisation include:
- Fast recovery
- High success rate in reducing symptoms – Ovarian vein embolisation has a 90% success rate in either partially or completely relieving pain.
- Minimally invasive – Ovarian vein embolisation is much less invasive compared to surgery
What are the risks?
Ovarian vein embolisation is a very safe procedure. However, as with all procedures, there are several risks including:
- Mild back ache
- Nausea
- Migration of coils to other parts of the body (extremely rare)
- Bruising, infection or bleeding at the site of puncture
Recovery
You will need to arrange transport to take you home as after sedation you will not be able to drive. The day following your surgery you will be able to return to your normal activities and its important while you are recovering at home that you stay hydrated. There may be slight discomfort in your pelvis post-procedure but this should generally resolve within a week and is well controlled with pain killers. You can return to sports and the gym after one week.
Follow-up
Dr McConnell’s consulting rooms with contact you by telephone 2 weeks are the procedure to see how you are progressing. We will arrange a follow up outpatient appointment for 3 months to review the outcome of the procedure.