Description
About Dr. Nicholas Andrew McFarlane
Dr. Nicholas Andrew McFarlane 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 Humber River Hospital in Kitchener, ON, he is an integral part of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and comprehensive urological care. Dr. McFarlane provides a broad spectrum of services for adult male and female patients, addressing issues such as kidney stones, prostate disorders, bladder problems, and male reproductive health. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities designed to deliver advanced urological diagnostics and treatment in a patient-centered environment.
He obtained his Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has accumulated over 24 years of experience as a Urologist since 2000. Dr. McFarlane is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), affirming his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. His extensive training and certification enable him to offer expert care across a wide range of urological conditions, utilizing the latest evidence-based techniques and technologies.
Dr. McFarlane’s clinical philosophy centers on providing patient-centered care that emphasizes thorough evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate. He is committed to educating his patients about their conditions and treatment options, ensuring informed decision-making. Fluent in English, he strives to offer compassionate, respectful, and effective urological services to the community in Kitchener, fostering a supportive environment for all patients seeking urinary health solutions.
Common Conditions Dr. Nicholas McFarlane Addresses
Dr. Nicholas McFarlane 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.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele - Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops (prolapses) from its normal position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina.
Urologic Cancers
- Ureteral & Renal Pelvis Cancer: Cancers that form in the urothelial cells lining the ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder) or renal pelvis (funnel-like part of kidney).
- 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.
General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders
- Neurogenic Bladder: Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological damage or conditions affecting nerve control of the bladder.
- Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections affecting any part of the urinary system that are frequent, persistent, or associated with underlying factors.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Nicholas McFarlane.
Urologist Services Offered by Dr. Nicholas Andrew McFarlane
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Diagnosis & Surgical Treatment: Including partial and radical nephrectomy (open, laparoscopic, robotic).
- Medical Management & Prevention of Kidney Stones: Dietary counseling, medication, and metabolic evaluation to prevent stone recurrence.
- Urinary Incontinence Evaluation & Treatment in Women (Stress, Urge, Mixed): Comprehensive management of involuntary urine leakage, including behavioral therapies, medications, pelvic floor exercises, and surgical options (e.g., slings).
- Second Opinion Consultations for Urological Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex urological diagnoses and treatment plans to ensure informed patient decisions.
- Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy & Stent Placement: Minimally invasive procedure using a scope passed through the ureter to locate and break up stones with a laser, often followed by temporary stent placement.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.
- Management of Post-Operative Urological Care: Providing comprehensive follow-up and management after urological surgeries to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. McFarlane for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Humber River Hospital in Kitchener's Forest Heights neighborhood serves as a key medical facility providing specialized urological services. The hospital is situated near Kitchener City Hall and is easily accessible via public transit, including Grand River Transit (GRT) bus services and the ION Light Rail. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at or near the hospital, ensuring convenient access for patients attending appointments. As part of a major hospital network, Humber River Hospital offers advanced medical technology and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals committed to delivering high-quality urological care in a comfortable setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. McFarlane, a Urologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. McFarlane, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. McFarlane's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. McFarlane, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in ON, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. McFarlane. 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 does a vasectomy involve if performed by Dr. McFarlane?
- A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for permanent male contraception. It involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Dr. McFarlane would perform this procedure, usually in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It's a highly effective form of birth control. It's important to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and the fact that it's considered permanent with Dr. McFarlane beforehand.
- 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. McFarlane, 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 treatment options are available for erectile dysfunction (ED) with Dr. McFarlane?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) has various treatment options available. After evaluating the potential causes, Dr. McFarlane may discuss lifestyle modifications, oral medications (like PDE5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, injection therapy (intracavernosal injections), or in some cases, surgical options like penile implants. The best treatment depends on the underlying cause of ED and individual patient factors and preferences.
- What are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?
- Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. McFarlane may perform or order several tests. These can include urinalysis (urine test), urine culture, blood tests (like PSA for prostate health), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate), urodynamic studies (to assess bladder function), and cystoscopy (a scope to look inside the bladder and urethra). He will explain why any specific test is needed and what it involves.
Contact & Licensing Information
Humber River Hospital
911 Queen's Boulevard
Kitchener, ON N2M 1B2
Phone: (519) 744-3311
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. McFarlane is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. McFarlane for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McFarlane-Nicholas-Andrew/0057157-68745