Objective: To prospectively evaluate the feasibility of determination of the Valsalva Leak Point Pressure (VLPP).
Patients and methods: From 1st January to 31st July 1996, 155 consecutive patients investigated for urinary incontinence with no pelvis static disorder performed Valsalva manoeuvres during cystomanometry in order to determine the VLPP. The examination was performed in the standing position at a filling volume of 200 cc with then without a vesical pressure transducer. The mean age of the patients was 54 +/- 16 years (range: 16-84 years).
Results: The mean maximal intensity of abdominal straining pressure measured by the intravesical transducer was 72 +/- 28 cm of water. The VLPP could not be determined in 50.4% of cases, as the abdominal straining pressure during the Valsalva manoeuvre was less than 60 cm of water. No correlation was observed between abdominal straining pressure and patient age (r = 0.13; p > 0.1).
Conclusion: Leak Point Pressure cannot always be determined by the Valsalva method. Other techniques of progressive increase of intravesical pressure must be investigated.