Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
(FEES)

The Research

 

  • Rao N., Brady, S. L., Chaudhuri, G., Donselli J. J., & Wesling, M. W. (2003). Gold-standard? Analysis of the videofluoroscopic and fiberoptic endoscopic swallow examinations. Journal of Applied Research, 3(1), 89-96.

    Kelly, A.M. Assessing penetration and aspiration: How do videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing compare? Laryngoscope. 2007;117, 1732-1727.

    Aviv, J.E. Prospective, randomized outcome study of endoscopy vs. modified barium swallow in patients with dysphagia. Laryngoscope. 2000; 110, 563-574.

  • Langmore SE. History of Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing for Evaluation and Management of Pharyngeal Dysphagia: Changes over the Years. Dysphagia. 2017 Feb;32(1):27-38. doi: 10.1007/s00455-016-9775-x. Epub 2017 Jan 18. PMID: 28101663.

  • Gerrie J.J.W. Bours, Rene´e Speyer, Jessie Lemmens, Martien Limburg & Rianne de Wit. Bedside screening tests vs. videofluoroscopy or fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing to detect dysphagia in patients with neurological disorders: systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing. Oct 2008; 477-493

    Smithard, D.G., O’Neill, P.A., Park, C., et al. Can bedside assessment reliably exclude aspiration following acute stroke? Age and Ageing. 1998;27i(2), 99-106.

  • Langmore, S.E., Skarupski, K.A., Park, P.S., Fries, B.E. Predictors of aspiration pneumonia in nursing home residents. Dysphagia. 2002; 10.1007/s00455-002-0072-1.

Mobile FEES

  1. After receiving a physician’s order, we will contact you to schedule your mobile FEES appointment. We can be at your facility within 2 business days.

  2. Beforehand, we collect information on your medical history, preferences, and goals to tailor each FEES to your needs.

  3. FEES is a safe and easy procedure that assesses the swallow by gently passing a small camera through the nose to the throat.

  4. The structure and function of the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box) will be visualized during this test. FEES effectively detects timeliness of the swallow, pharyngeal residue, upper airway penetration, and aspiration, as well as other features of the swallow.

  5. FEES can be completed where you typically eat: at the table, in a wheelchair, or even in bed. Our goal is to make you comfortable.

  6. You will be asked to eat and drink during the test so we can assess the safety and efficiency of the swallow. Any type of food or drink can be used during FEES. Food coloring is added to improve visualization.

  7. When needed, we will assess how different strategies to impact swallow function.

  8. This test usually lasts about 15 minutes but duration can be varied to meet your individual needs. Since there is no radiation or time restraints, FEES is an excellent tool to assess an entire meal or see how fatigue can impact the swallow.

  9. The results will be immediately reviewed with you. We love answering your questions and providing you with easy-to-understand information on how your swallow works. A detailed report will be available soon afterwards.

  10. Feel free to reach out to us any time after your procedure. We encourage regular follow-up FEES to monitor progress and help you achieve your goals.