Valsalva leak-point pressure changes after successful and failed suburethral sling

The aim of the study was to investigate whether changes in Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) relate to the success of suburethral sling operations. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 31 suburethral sling operations in 30 women with stress urinary incontinence in whom VLPP was quantified before and after the operation. Operative success was determined by documented physical examination and telephone interview. The patients' mean age was 70.7 years (range 51-81). The operation was successful in 24 cases and unsuccessful in 7. VLPP increased significantly after successful operations (mean change 61.1 cmH(2)O; P<0.001) but not after failure (9.7 cmH(2)O); P = 0.226), with a significantly greater change for successful operations ( P = 0.0011). All patients with postoperative VLPP >126 cmH(2)O had successful operations. We concluded that there are significant increases in VLPP after successful suburethral sling operations, but not after unsuccessful operations.