Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)

Dr Christopher Love specialises in treatment for Enlarged Prostate (BPH) including the use of Prostatic Urethral Lift

What is Prostatic Urethral Lift?

The PUL system is used as a treatment for the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).

PUL is one of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST) offered by Dr Love.

PUL works by holding the enlarged prostate open, without removing any prostate tissue, so that the prostate does not restrict the bladder outflow as much.

How the PUL System Works

  • An enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, making it difficult for urine to flow.
  • The PUL Delivery Device is placed through the obstructed urethra to access the enlarged prostate.
  • The PUL Delivery Device compresses the tissue and delivers tiny implants to lift and hold prostate tissue out of the way, thus opening the urethra.
  • The permanent implants keep the tissue in place, like tiebacks on a window curtain.
  • The PUL Delivery Device is removed, leaving an open urethra for urine to flow.

Dr Love was the first doctor in Victoria to perform a PUL procedure, after the initial clinical trials, and continues to use this procedure as one of the Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies for BPH he can offer to his patients.

PUL is made up of a delivery device and permanent implants, which are small tethers (like “staples”) that are inserted via a quick telescopic operation.

It involves the placement of these implants in the prostate with the help of the delivery device.

Under an anaesthetic, the delivery system is introduced through the urethra (water-tube) under endoscopic guidance to reach the blocked area. The implants are introduced and permanently placed to hold the enlarged prostate tissue open and away from the urethra, thereby reducing the obstruction to urination. The number of implants used depends on the degree of obstruction and the size of the prostate.

The procedure does not involve cutting, heating, removal or damage to tissues, all of which can affect sexual function., so there is virtually no risk of any sexual side effects, including backward ejaculation which commonly occurs with other forms of treatment.

The PUL is an alternative to the transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP and is intended for men who wish to retain their quality of life and sexual function and avoid major surgery.

However, the PUL system may not be recommended if the prostate is too enlarged, or the shape of the prostate is unusual, or if there are other bladder issues.

Dr. Love has extensive experience in this technique and is very enthusiastic about the results he has been obtaining for some years now. It is important however for the patients to be properly selected and diagnosed as having suitable prostates to benefit. An initial consultation with Dr Love can determine which technique is best suited to you.

Clinical data has proven that the PUL System treatment is safe and effective and can improve BPH symptoms greater than with medication.

Results have shown durability beyond 5 years at this stage, with no impact to sexual function. The goal is to relieve you of bothersome urinary symptoms so you can get back to your life and resume daily activities.

Most common adverse events reported include haematuria (blood in the urine), dysuria (burning and stinging), urgency to pass urine, mild pelvic pain, and, occasionally, urge incontinence.

Most symptoms were mild to moderate in severity and resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure.

Dr Love also offers Prostatic Water Vapour Treatment, another Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapy (MIST) for treating BPH.

We are here to help

Dr Love and his team understand that you may be feeling nervous, anxious or embarrassed about your symptoms or condition. We want you to know that you deserve to get the treatment you need and that you can go on to live a fulfilling and satisfying life. It’s never too late.

Talk to an Expert

You can call our expert team confidentially and ask any questions you may have about your symptoms, condition, treatment options and the best way forward. No obligation.

Make an Appointment

You can request an appointment with Dr Love by calling 1800 375 683 or or completing the contact form on this page. You do not need a referral from your GP, but this may assist with the cost of the consultation.

Talk to Our Nurse

Concerned about Erectile Dysfunction? Have a free, confidential chat with our specialist ED nurse, Gill, and find out more about your treatment options.

Ask a Question

If you are not ready to make an appointment, but would like to ask a question or get some more information – we are here for you.  Send your question to Dr Love using the form below: