When people think about varicose veins, they often imagine bulging veins in the legs caused by age or standing for long periods. However, not all varicose veins stem from the superficial veins we commonly associate with this condition. Pelvic venous reflux, though less known, is an important and often overlooked source, particularly in women who have been pregnant multiple times.
In this blog, I’d like to share two unique cases to highlight the challenges and solutions for this underdiagnosed condition.
Case 1: The Young Father with Pelvic Leak Points
An 86-year-old male patient with varicose veins was a math teacher before retirement. He worked standing for a long time and had obvious varicose veins in his lower limbs. In the past two years, he found that the varicose veins in his lower legs had worsened, accompanied by edema, skin itching and pigmentation. He was clinically grade 4.
Upon detailed hemodynamic evaluation, we discovered the culprit: pelvic venous reflux.
 |
| Dr. Smile Medical Group |
Though pelvic sources are less common in male patients, their impact can be profound, leading to symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or ignored. In his case, CHIVA treatment proved to be an ideal solution. By preserving vein function while addressing reflux points, we successfully alleviated his symptoms and resolved his varicosities without the need for vein destruction.
Case 2: A Mother of Two with Persistent Varicosities
Our second case involves a 40-year-old mother of two who developed varicose veins during her pregnancies. She presented with clusters of veins in her perineal area, inner thighs, posterior thighs, and lateral calves—an atypical pattern that raised suspicion.
Her local doctor, noticing these "unusual varicosities," wisely referred her to our clinic. After a thorough evaluation, we identified pelvic venous reflux as the primary source. Factors such as increased blood volume, reduced activity, and elevated intra-abdominal pressure during pregnancy had contributed to her condition.
 |
| Dr. Smile Medical Group |
Using CHIVA, we targeted the reflux points and restored normal venous circulation. The minimally invasive approach not only addressed her condition effectively but also prevented unnecessary damage to her veins, preserving their long-term function.
Understanding Pelvic Venous Reflux
Pelvic venous reflux often arises from increased pressure in the pelvic veins, typically due to pregnancy or other conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure. Symptoms include:
- Varicose veins in atypical locations, such as the posterior thighs, lateral calves, or perineum.
- Symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome, such as pelvic pain or heaviness, though not always present.
Why CHIVA Is the Preferred Approach
Unlike traditional stripping or ablative procedures, CHIVA focuses on preserving vein function while addressing the underlying hemodynamic issues. By identifying and treating reflux points, we can resolve varicosities without compromising the venous system's integrity. This is particularly important for patients with atypical varicose veins, where the source may be misdiagnosed or missed entirely.
 |
| Dr. Smile Medical Group |
A Call for Awareness
Pelvic venous reflux is underdiagnosed but not uncommon, especially in women with a history of multiple pregnancies. Early recognition and proper treatment are key to preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life.
If you or someone you know is dealing with persistent or atypical varicose veins, consider seeking a detailed hemodynamic evaluation. With innovative techniques like CHIVA, even the most complex cases can be treated effectively and safely.
Post a Comment