Rep. Boebert Undergoes Emergency Surgery

LOVELAND, Colo. — Rep. Lauren Boebert underwent emergency surgery Wednesday morning for a blood clot in her leg and has been diagnosed with May-Thurner syndrome, a rare vascular condition that affects a vein in the pelvis, her reelection campaign announced.

In a statement, the campaign said the two-term congresswoman was admitted to UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland after experiencing severe swelling in her upper left leg.

After undergoing a CT scan, doctors found an acute blood clot and diagnosed her with May-Thurner syndrome, the campaign said.

While an exact cause of developing the condition is unknown, dehydration, travel and extended periods of sitting have all been identified as potential factors in causing its symptoms. 

Women between the ages of 20 and 45 who have given birth are also more likely to have May-Thurner syndrome.

According to the Center for Vascular Medicine, the syndrome occurs when a nearby artery compresses the left iliac vein. 

This vein brings blood from your pelvis and legs back up to your heart. The compression prevents blood from flowing properly, leading to narrowing and scarring.

The center goes on to describe the symptoms of the ailment as including generalized pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis; varicose veins in the upper leg (usually the left leg); swelling in the leg (again, usually left leg); chronic pain in the legs that worsens as the day goes on and chronic hemorrhoids.

While treatment of the syndrome varies based on the patient’s specific condition, the Center for Vascular Medicine says the majority of women diagnosed with it undergo a minimally invasive procedure to place a stent in the compressed iliac vein.

Boebert’s campaign confirmed the congresswoman had a stent inserted this morning.

“After taking time to rest as recommended by doctors, she is expected to make a full recovery with no significant concerns for her long-term health and no hindrance to her ability to perform her duties as a Congresswoman,” the campaign said without giving any indication whether she’ll be back next week when the House returns from its Easter recess.

“I’m looking forward to making a full recovery and getting back to Congress to continue fighting for Colorado,” Boebert said.

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