Leak point pressures in women with urinary stress incontinence: correlation with patient history.

PURPOSE

We examined the relationship between historical factors in women with urinary stress incontinence and the Valsalva leak point pressure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Valsalva leak point pressure measurements in 57 women with urinary stress incontinence were compared to findings in the history.

RESULTS

Valsalva leak point pressure was low in 83% of women with severe leakage and previous surgery. Interestingly, 47% of patients without predisposing factors had low Valsalva leak point pressures.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with severe leakage and previous bladder neck surgery are likely to have urethral dysfunction as demonstrated by Valsalva leak point pressure testing. A significant incidence of low Valsalva leak point pressures in patients without predisposing factors could account for many failures of routine suspension procedures.