Nada Elzefzaf writes about the inaugural Women in Vascular Forum that took place at the recent Egyptian Vascular and Endovascular Society (EVES) 2024 Summit (30 October–2 November, Cairo, Egypt). The session, Elzefzaf shares, “marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward better vascular health for women and greater representation of women in vascular surgery”.
Women are often believed to have smaller vessel sizes, experience worse post-procedural outcomes, and face higher rates of unplanned hospital admissions compared to men. However, these theories remain under-researched and require further scientific validation. To address this gap and raise awareness about vascular diseases in women, the EVES hosted a dedicated session at its 2024 summit to launch the Women in Vascular Forum. This groundbreaking event focused on two key pillars: addressing vascular diseases in women from multidisciplinary perspectives and advocating for women vascular surgeons across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The session’s primary objective was to establish a society that unites women vascular surgeons in the Middle East, providing them with a platform for support, advocacy, and collaboration. Additionally, it aimed to foster research opportunities and explore innovative approaches to managing vascular diseases in women.
Raising awareness and promoting prevention
One of the session’s central goals was to raise public awareness about the importance of vascular health for women. Discussions highlighted preventative measures for conditions such as peripheral vascular diseases, venous diseases, vascular disorders, and other related diseases. By educating the community, the session sought to empower women to take proactive steps toward better vascular health.
Interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive care
The session emphasised the critical role of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration among various medical specialties. Experts from obstetrics and gynaecology, haematology, and vascular medicine came together to discuss integrated healthcare approaches. This collaborative effort is essential to address the unique physiological, psychological, and social factors that make managing vascular diseases in women particularly challenging.
A platform for policy and advocacy
The session featured a public forum attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, public media, and civil society organisations. Moderated by Sherif Elkerdawy, head of the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Helwan University–Wadi El Neel Hospital (Cairo, Egypt) and secretary of the EVES, and Sherene Shalhoub, division head of vascular surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, USA), the forum aimed to enhance health policies related to women’s vascular health. Participants discussed actionable recommendations to improve healthcare services and ensure equitable access to quality care for women.
Insights from leading experts
I opened the session, presenting a comprehensive review of the literature on vascular diseases in women. I highlighted the distinct anatomical variations, higher complication rates post-intervention, and the scarcity of research in this field, particularly in the Middle East. I called for a dedicated research initiative to address these gaps from multiple perspectives.
Ahmed Elbasty, consultant vascular surgeon at Southampton University Hospitals (Southampton, UK), echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgent need for more research on women’s vascular health in the MENA region. He advocated for the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment strategies tailored to women’s unique needs.
Omaima Idrees, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Cairo University (Cairo, Egypt), shed light on the challenges of recurrent miscarriages and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during pregnancy, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to these complex conditions.
Rania Afify, professor of haematology at Cairo University, provided valuable insights into vasculitis and thrombophilia in women from a haematological perspective, emphasising the need for specialised care and research in these areas.
Wassila Taha, consultant of angiology and vascular ultrasound at As-Salam International Hospital (Cairo, Egypt), alongside Ben Cheikh, angiologist at Soukra Médical (La Soukra, Tunisia) and Engie Elhefnawy, professor of vascular surgery at Cairo University Hospitals (Cairo, Egypt) discussed the latest advancements in the diagnosis and management of varicose veins, showcasing the diversity of approaches in treating this common condition.
Lessons from the US experience
Shereen Shalhoub shared insights from the US experience in supporting women in vascular surgery. She highlighted the importance of mutual support among women in overcoming professional challenges and advancing their careers. Shalhoub also introduced the International Society of Women in Vascular Surgery, which has been instrumental in providing resources and advocacy for women in the field. Reflecting on the success of the Women’s Vascular Summit, she noted its significant contributions to addressing vascular diseases in women and promoting gender equity in vascular surgery.
A call to action
The Women in Vascular Forum marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward better vascular health for women and greater representation of women in vascular surgery. By fostering collaboration, advocating for policy changes, and promoting research, the session at the EVES 2024 Summit laid the foundation for a brighter future. The establishment of a dedicated society for women vascular surgeons in the Middle East is a testament to the region’s commitment to progress and innovation in this vital field.
Nada Elzefzaf is a vascular surgery speciality trainee with NHS Thames Valley and Wessex and the UK trainees representative for the British Society of Endovascular Therapy (BSET).
