The management of Pelvic Venous Disorder (PeVD) or Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a process, not a procedure. The main symptom or symptoms that affect the individual patients’ quality of life, which we refer to as the Index Pelvic Venous Disorder (PeVD) symptoms, are different for different women. This may be pain or bleeding or sexual dysfunction or leg swelling.
At the Venus Clinic, we follow a stepwise approach beginning with a patient self-assessment of symptoms and quality of life. This is followed by duplex ultrasound scans of the veins and pelvic organs and assessment of pelvic floor function if required. Tests like CT scans and MRI scans that show internal anatomy but do not assess the severity of the functional disturbance to blood flow, are usually requested only after the diagnosis is established. Treatments vary depending on the index symptoms and the precise sources of vein compression and leakage in the abdomen and pelvis.
A key aspect of our care is a regular multi-disciplinary team meeting or MDT. Organised and led by the Venus Clinic, this brings together the patient’s own trusted primary Gynaecologist, Urologist and Family Physician, along with our collaborating specialist Pelvic Physiotherapists and Clinical Psychologists in a discussion on all aspects of the patients’ care. The recommendations of the MDT are then shared and discussed with the patient, to guide them through what may be their treatment options.
The follow-up care of each patient is also discussed in the MDT to ensure all the specialists involved in the patients’ care are kept well informed, that unnecessary, or repeat tests are avoided, and all specialist expertise is considered to ensure the best holistic care for each patient.
Many patients can be successfully managed the condition with no surgery at all. In addition, many gynaecological and urological conditions can co-exist with the condition. Patients must of course give formal consent for their medical information to be shared and discussed as such in an MDT, as we always take patient confidentiality and personal data protection extremely seriously indeed.