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Dr. Kristen Michelle Westfall, MD, MPH is an alternative medicine practitioner in Westlake, OH specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, general practice and colon & rectal surgery. She graduated from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School Of Medicine in 2019 and has 7 years of experience. Dr. Kristen Michelle Westfall, MD, MPH is affiliated with University Hospitals and UH Westlake Health Center.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the use of a special tool called a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) to examine the inside of the colon and rectum. The tube is typically inserted anally, and it allows the physician to examine the large intestine from the inside. It may be done at any time to diagnose bowel problems, but routine colonoscopies are advised after the age of 50 to screen for colon cancer.
A colonoscopy may be performed to diagnose:
Patients may be asked to drink only liquids in the days before a colonoscopy, or they may be given an enema to remove residual fecal matter. Before the exam, patients are given medication to help them relax, and then lay on their side on a table. The scope is inserted into the anus and gently moved all the way through the large intestine. Air may be pumped into the intestine to improve the view for the physician. Any polyps that are found will be removed. Then the colonoscope will be withdrawn. A colonoscopy is not usually painful, but patients may feel some bloating or have some cramps right afterward. If patients have polyps removed, they might experience a small amount of bleeding. Any side effects should go away within a few hours.
Dr. Kristen Michelle Westfall, MD, MPH graduated from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School Of Medicine in 2019. She completed residency at St Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor.
Medical School: University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School Of Medicine (2019)
Residency: St Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor (2024)
Dr. Kristen Michelle Westfall, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Kristen Westfall's specialties are general practice, colon & rectal surgery, and complementary and alternative medicine. Areas of expertise for Dr. Westfall include polyps, rectal cancer, and colon cancer. She is professionally affiliated with UH Westlake Health Center. Before performing her residency at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Dr. Westfall attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. According to Yext, new patients are welcome to contact Dr. Westfall's office in Westlake, OH.
