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.