About
Dr. Gaétan Duchesnay is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at CIUSSS-MCQ Mauricie - Centre du Québec - CHAUR in Trois-Rivières, QC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of urological issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His practice adheres to the high standards established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care.
Dr. Duchesnay holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has been practicing as a Urologist since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of experience in the field. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in urological care and possesses the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including holding a license from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) with license number 94346.
Dedicated to delivering patient-centered care, Dr. Duchesnay utilizes advanced, minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, emphasizing evidence-based practices. He is committed to patient education, ensuring individuals are informed about their conditions and treatment options. Fluent in French, he provides compassionate and comprehensive urological services to adult male and female patients in Trois-Rivières. His clinic is equipped with modern facilities to support a wide range of urological procedures and diagnostics.
Dr. Gaétan Duchesnay addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
- Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Women: Frequent bladder or kidney infections requiring investigation and management.
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
Urologic Cancers
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.
- Prostate Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid.
- Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, most commonly in the urothelial cells lining the inside of the bladder.
Prostate & Male Genital Conditions
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in aging men, causing urinary symptoms.
- Testicular Pain, Masses & Swelling (e.g., Epididymitis, Orchitis, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Testicular Torsion): Various conditions causing discomfort or changes in the testicles or scrotum, requiring urological evaluation.
- Male Infertility Factors (e.g., Varicocele, Obstructive Azoospermia): Urological conditions contributing to a couple's inability to conceive.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Gaétan Duchesnay.
- Urinalysis & Urine Culture Interpretation: Analysis of urine samples to detect and manage urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, and other urological issues.
- Laser Surgery for Urological Conditions: Employing various laser technologies for treatments such as BPH (e.g., HoLEP, GreenLight), kidney stones, and bladder tumors.
- Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment: Including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy (BCG, chemotherapy), and radical cystectomy.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment: Including partial and radical nephrectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic).
- Endoscopic Urological Procedures: Utilizing scopes passed through natural body openings to diagnose and treat conditions within the urinary tract (e.g., stone removal, tumor resection).
- Adrenal Tumor Urological Evaluation & Surgical Management: Assessing and surgically removing adrenal masses when indicated from a urological perspective.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Duchesnay for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Gaétan Duchesnay practices at the CIUSSS-MCQ Mauricie - Centre du Québec - CHAUR, situated in the Cap-de-la-Madeleine Sector West neighborhood of Trois-Rivières. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, including services provided by the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR), making it easy for patients to reach. The location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring equitable access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing ease of access for those arriving by car. The practice's central location within the city makes it an ideal choice for adult patients seeking expert urological care in a modern, well-equipped environment.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Duchesnay, a Urologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Duchesnay, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Duchesnay's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Duchesnay, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in QC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Duchesnay. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.
- What is a cystoscopy and why might I need one?
- A cystoscopy is a procedure that allows your urologist, such as Dr. Duchesnay, to look directly inside your bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted instrument called a cystoscope. It might be recommended to investigate symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent UTIs, bladder pain, or difficulty urinating. It can also be used to take biopsies or perform minor treatments. He will explain the procedure and any preparation needed.
- What can be done for urinary incontinence?
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) is a common and often treatable condition. Treatment depends on the type of incontinence (stress, urge, mixed, overflow). Options may include lifestyle changes (e.g., fluid management, bladder training), pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), medications, medical devices (like pessaries for women), nerve stimulation, or surgical procedures (such as sling surgery for stress incontinence). Dr. Dr. Duchesnay can help determine the cause and best treatment plan for you.
- What is a PSA test and who should have it?
- The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Duchesnay, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.
- What are kidney stones and how does Dr. Duchesnay treat them?
- Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms might require procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy with laser to remove or break them, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones. Dr. Duchesnay will also work with you on strategies to prevent future stones.
- What are the treatment options for an enlarged prostate (BPH)?
- Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your quality of life. Options range from lifestyle changes and medications to minimally invasive procedures (like UroLift, Rezum) and surgical treatments (such as TURP or laser prostatectomy). Dr. Duchesnay can discuss the most suitable options for you based on your individual circumstances.
CIUSSS-MCQ Mauricie - Centre du Québec - CHAUR
1991 Boul du Carmel
Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 3R9
Phone: (819) 697-3333
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Duchesnay is a licensed Urologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Duchesnay for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=94346