What Are MIIPs? / Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Why do I have chronic pelvic pain?
Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting more than 6 months can have several different causes. In some women, it may be the result of high blood pressure in the veins of pelvis. This is called pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).
What are the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome?
What causes pelvic congestion syndrome?
Veins normally carry blood from the body back to the heart. Veins normally have valves that help keep the blood flowing in its usual direction back to the heart. Without working valves, the blood can flow backwards and pool in the veins, causing them to stretch and bulge.
Your doctor may examine you, do a Pap smear to rule out cervical cancer, and order routine blood tests. Your doctor may order an imaging test like an ultrasound, MRI or a CT scan. Pelvic congestion syndrome can be difficult to diagnosis.
Pelvic congestion syndrome can be treated with a same-day minimally invasive, image-guided procedure (MIIP) to block the unhealthy veins from the inside and prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the pelvis. This procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), who specializes in these procedures.
Before your procedure, you may be asked:
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
You will stay in the hospital bed for several hours for observation. Your IV will be removed and you will be allowed to go home at the end of the day.
You may experience pelvic pain the first 3 days after the treatment. This pain can be treated successfully with just oral pain medicines in up to 85% of patients.
The MIIP to treat pelvic congestion syndrome is considered to be very safe. Complications are rare and the risks are the same for any procedure:
Your IR will discuss the risks and benefits with you before your MIIP.
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