[Transcatheter embolization of ovarian vein varicosities]

Selective retrograde venography and steel coil embolization were performed in 9 women with the left (n = 7) or bilateral (n = 2) ovarian vein varicosities. Within one-three months after the procedure 8 patients showed disappearance or decrease of their pain, dysmenorrhea, and other symptoms of pelvic congestion. These favorable effects of treatment retained during 2 to 7.5 years of follow-up. It was concluded that the transcatheter embolization is safe and effective for treatment of the symptomatic ovarian varicosities. The advantages of this method include the possibility to perform the procedure in the outpatient conditions, low risk of the appearance of side effects and complications, excellent cosmetic results which makes the embolization a preferable alternative to surgical or laparoscopic ligation.