[The ovarian vein syndrome: eight cases and review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE

The ovarian vein syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity occurring secondary to ureteral obstruction caused by dilation of aberrant ovarian veins. After initial scepticism about its reality, many authors currently recognize the ovarian vein syndrome as a separate clinical entity, included among pelvic congestive syndromes. Excretory urography, sonography and retrograde ureteropyelography findings confirm the clinical diagnosis. Our purpose was to demonstrate the efficacy of surgery and the contribution of laparoscopic treatment.

METHODS

and material. We rapport eight cases treated from 1980 to 1998. The surgical procedure was laparotomy in seven cases and laparoscopy in one.

RESULTS

Ovarian vein resection was successful in all cases without any adverse event. Average hospital stay was about four days. Complete and persistent relief of lumbar pain was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian vein syndrome is an uncommon diagnosis of pelvic pain that should be recognized. Surgery is considered as the appropriated therapy. The laparoscopic approach should be preferred