[Valsalva minimal leak point pressure: a useful approximation to type III female urinary incontinence]

It has been reported that anatomic female urinary incontinence with complex sphincteric malposition can coexist with intrinsic damage of the sphincter itself. In this study we analyzed the utility of measuring minimum abdominal pressure at standardized bladder capacities that causes urinary incontinence in order to quantify intrinsic sphincteric damage in female urinary incontinence.

The study comprised 50 women with urinary incontinence aged 36-78 years (mean 59.4), ICS standardized complete urodynamic study was performed. Minimum leak point pressure with Valsalva maneuver in decumbent and standing positions was determined during the filling phase of cystomanometry and it was defined as a measure of the abdominal pressure expressed as total baldder pressure without involuntary detrusor activity and exercised at standardized bladder capacities that originates objective urinary incontinence. Minimum leak point pressure for each bladder capacity was evaluated. Leak point pressures below 60 cm H2O indicate intrinsic sphincteric damage; pressures between 60 and 90 cm H2O indicate intrinsic damage and malposition or urethral hypermobility may coexist, and leak pressures over 90 cm H2O are related to complex sphincteric malposition.

5 women showed severe sphincteric deficiency (type III) and urinary incontinence was demonstrated with 50 ml bladder capacity and 30 cm H2O of abdominal pressure without detrusor activity. Thirty-five women (70%) had type II urinary incontinence. Of these, 10 (28.5%) showed intrinsic sphincteric damage in addition to malpositioning of the sphincteric complex at leak point pressures between 60 and 90 cm H2O. The rest of the women showed Blaivas' type 0 and I urinary incontinence.

Valsalva minimum leak point pressure is a reproducible, reliable, useful and easily measured parameter in diagnosing female stress urinary incontinence. It allows approximation of the abdominal pressure to the level at which urinary leakage is produced during the filling phase of cystomanometry and gives us an idea of the extent of the intrinsic sphincteric damage, if any. Not only is sphincter damage demonstrated in type III urinary incontinence, but that it may also coexist to a varying degree with complex sphincteric malposition.