OBJECTIVE
To compare an efficacy and safety of endovascular and endoscopic interventions on the gonadal vein in the treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Treatment outcomes were analyzed in 97 patients with PCS. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 67 patients who underwent endovascular embolization of gonadal veins (EEGV), the second group — 28 women who underwent endoscopic resection of gonadal veins (ERGV). A comparative analysis of efficacy of EEGV and ERGV in the treatment of PCS was based on assessment of the effect of these interventions on pelvic pain, safety of operations, their effect on pelvic venous reflux, diameter of the pelvic veins and restoration of daily activity.
RESULTS
We found high efficacy and safety of EEGV and ERGV in the treatment of PCS. Relief or a significant decrease in venous pelvic pain was noted in 95.5-100% of patients. Body mass index was less than 19 kg/m2 in 4.5% of patients with protrusion of the coils after EEGV and persistent pain. Pain syndrome was probably caused by the contact of coils with femoral-genital nerve. Postoperative pain was experienced by 12% of patients after EEGV and 100% of patients after ERGV. Pain severity was evaluated as 2.2±0.7 and 3.7±0.5 points, respectively (p=0.036). No wound complications and bleeding were associated with EEGV and ERGV. Thrombosis of the parametric veins was 4 times more common after EEGV compared to ERGV. The relative risk (RR) of this complication after gonadal embolization was 1.4 (95% CI 1.146-1.732).
CONCLUSION
Endovascular and endoscopic procedures on the gonadal veins are effective and safe methods in the treatment of PCS. Endovascular embolization of the gonadal veins has obvious advantages such as minimal trauma and the use of local anesthesia. ERGV is characterized by similar or even better outcomes.