What is FEES?

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a comprehensive assessment of swallowing. This evaluation is completed by a Speech-Language Pathologist using a flexible endoscope which is passed through the nose to allow viewing of the structures used for swallowing, assessing motor and sensory function as the patient completes a series of tasks. The swallowing process is observed and evaluated as the patient is given various food and liquid textures during the exam.

When is FEES recommended?

• Difficulty swallowing food

• Difficulty swallowing liquids

• Difficulty swallowing pills

• Food feels "stuck" in throat

• Frequent throat clearing or coughing during meals

• Fatigue with meals

• Weight loss, dehydration, malnutrition

• Uncoordinated breathing and swallow timing

• Excessive or unmanaged secretions

Why is FEES recommended?

• Timely diagnostic results

• Determine physiological cause for dysphagia

• Customized and specific recommendations for treatment

• Determine safety of oral intake

• Assess and determine effective compensatory strategies

• Video can be used for patient biofeedback and caregiver education

Who can benefit from FEES?

Individuals with:

• Recurrent respiratory illness

• Head and neck cancer (pre & post radiation)

• G-Tubes and persistent coughing

• Progressive neurological diagnosis

• Trach or vent dependent

• Difficulty with head or trunk control

• Anatomical deviations

• Dysphagia resulting from a stroke or TBI

What are the benefits of FEES?

• Patient can have repeated FEES

• Patient's size or posture/positioning is not a barrier

• More cost-effective than MBSS

• No radiation exposure

• No barium is required

• No exam duration restrictions

• Onsite eval is convenient to patient

• No need to transport patient out of facility/off the unit

• Isolation precautions are not a barrier