Stenting has become the first line of treatment for symptomatic chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction in patients with quality-of-life impairing clinical manifestations who have failed conservative therapy. Patient selection for such intervention is however dependant on clear identification of relevant clinical manifestations and subsequent testing to confirm the diagnosis. In this regard the physician engaged in management of such patients need to be well aware of symptoms and signs of chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (CIVO), instruments used to grade chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and determine quality of life in addition to diagnostic tests available and their individual roles. This review serves to provide an overview of the diagnosis of CIVO and patient selection for stenting.