All of the physicians at Tolnitch Surgical Associates feel strongly that a team or multidisciplinary approach to cancer can help facilitate better patient care. In October 2011, Tolnitch Surgical Associates became members of the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke's Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery.
As part of the Duke Cancer Institute's multidisciplinary breast program, Drs. Tolnitch, Crowley, and DiLalla work with a team of experts at Duke to provide patients with the best, most comprehensive care including access to the clinical trial opportunities and other resources of the Duke Cancer Institute.
Tolnitch Surgical Associates also has a collaborative relationship with Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging to facilitate increased collaboration and communication between diagnostic radiology and surgery. Wake Radiology and their physicians and staff provide screening and diagnostic mammography and diagnostic ultrasounds in an attached wing of the office. This approach allows patients to often have imaging and office visits in a coordinated and seamless fashion with the goal of a quicker road to diagnosis and treatment. Mammography services are digital and interpreted by the mammography team from Wake Radiology, recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. Wake Radiology is an independent business within the office and its billing and collection processes are separate from Tolnitch Surgical Associates.
All of the surgeons at Tolnitch Surgical Associates have extensive experience with image-directed biopsy including stereotactic and ultrasound-guided. Tolnitch Surgical Associates has offered in-office ultrasound and ultrasound-directed core biopsy since the early 1990s. Stereotactic biopsy has been available in the office since 2004 and is ACR-accredited.
We also have a collaborative relationship with the REX pathology group and have maintained an open in office conference with pathology and radiology since 2005 to review cases. We feel that this collaboration has helped increase the understanding and quality of all of our specialties.
We have also maintained a collaborative relationship with our colleagues in radiation oncology. Tolnitch Surgical Associates piloted the Mammosite Balloon approach to accelerated partial breast irradiation in the Triangle. We have well over 200 patients to date who have completed treatment, with excellent results. Radiation services can be provided by four separate groups in the community.
We also have a close working relationship with our colleagues in medical oncology. After a cancer diagnosis, our staff will help facilitate a consultation for you with medical oncology for chemotherapy services.
Tolnitch Surgical was founded in 1991 and was the first surgical practice in the region dedicated to breast cancer. The practice is committed to providing the highest quality of breast care in a compassionate setting.