How is an Endoscopy Performed?  When you arrive to check in for
your procedure, a Mount Sinai intake coordinator will ask you
questions about your medical history, medications you take,
allergies, and other matters relating to your health and medical
history.  Before the procedure, a nurse will measure your blood
pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation, using sophisticated
noninvasive monitors. An intravenous (IV) tube may be inserted
into a vein in your arm, to give you fluids and medication
during the procedure.  The procedure usually lasts anywhere from
15 to 90 minutes. You may have your throat sprayed with a local
anesthetic before the test begins and be given medication
through a vein to help you relax during the examination. In some
cases, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist may be present
to administer your sedation.  You will be laid on your side or
back in a comfortable position. Depending on the type of
procedure, a scope will be inserted either from above (mouth) or
below (anus) and gently gui