Transcatheter ovarian vein embolization using coils for the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of ovarian vein embolization using coils for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS), a common cause of chronic pelvic pain in multiparous women. Methods: Between November 1998 and June 2005, 67 patients were diagnosed with PCS and underwent ovarian vein coil embolization. Through medical records and telephone interviews, the pre-embolization pain level and post-embolization pain control were assessed. In addition, in those cases where pain persisted after embolization or where patients were dissatisfied with the procedure, additional treatments and subsequent changes in pain scores were also analyzed. Evaluation after coil embolization was performed within 3-6 months (n = 3), 6 months to 1 year (n = 7), 1-2 years (n = 13), 2-3 years (n = 7), 3-4 years (n = 7), 4-5 years (n = 13), or 5-6 years (n = 17). Results: Among a total of 67 patients, 82% (55/67) experienced pain reduction after coil embolization, were satisfied with the procedure, and did not pursue any further treatment. Twelve patients (18%, 12/67) responded that their pain level had not changed, or had become more severe. Among them, 9 patients were treated surgically and the remaining 3 patients remained under continuous drug therapy. Conclusion: Ovarian vein embolization using coils is a safe and effective therapeutic method for treatment of PCS. It is thought that surgical treatment should be considered in cases where embolization proves ineffective.