First endoscopic ultrasound

(LORAIN) – Mercy Regional Medical Center has announced another milestone in providing sophisticated technology to residents in the region. The hospital is the only facility in Lorain County offering endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP). 

The procedures are performed by Alok K. Jain, MD, medical director of gastroenterology for Mercy.  Dr. Jain is a board certified gastroenterologist and a therapeutic endoscopist who treats patients with a wide range of concerns. His specialized endoscopy expertise brings new services to Mercy, including EUS and ERCP

EUS is a minimally invasive procedure used by gastroenterologists to produce detailed images of the lining and walls in the digestive tract, chest and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver, gall bladder and lymph nodes.  It is extremely useful in determining the cause of abdominal pain and in staging cancers in the digestive tract when CAT scan or MRI results are inconclusive. In addition to this, endoscopic ultrasound is considered a less invasive, safer and more accurate procedure than CT and ultrasound guided biopsy.

“The procedure is life changing for many patients since it give us more precise information,” continued Dr. Jain. “This way, we are able to determine optimal treatment plans to benefit patients. If you can tailor a treatment for each patient, you often have a better outcome.” 

In addition to EUS, Mercy now offers ERCP.  ERCP is an endoscopic procedure where an endoscopist gains access into a patient’s bile or pancreatic duct to remove stones or place stents to relieve an obstruction.  

Offering these advanced technology enables Mercy to deliver on our Mission of providing access to high-quality care close to home.

In addition to the advanced procedures of EUS and ERCP, Dr. Jain performs regular colonoscopies and sees patients for a variety of digestive and intestinal concerns, from hemorrhoids and constipation to managing chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and colitis.

Dr. Jain completed his medical degree at Bangalore Medical College, his residency and fellowship at MetroHealth Medical Center, and advanced endoscopy fellowship at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA.

He is currently accepting new patients and referrals. For patient convenience, Dr. Jain is seeing patients in two Mercy Health locations: Mercy Health – Lorain Pulmonology and Gastroenterology at 3600 Kolbe Drive, Suite 205 in Lorain and Mercy Health – Sheffield Village General Surgery and Gastroenterology at 5077 Waterford Drive, Suite 305 in Sheffield Village.

For an appointment at either location, call 440-960-6431.