FEES exams are widely recognized as the
Gold Standard for dysphagia diagnosis
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is an advanced instrumental assessment developed by Dr. Susan Langmore in 1986. Unlike traditional bedside screenings, which rely on external observation, FEES provides a direct, internal view of the swallowing process. This allows our specially trained Speech-Language Pathologists to objectively detect penetration or aspiration that is often missed during standard evaluations.
Using a high-definition, flexible endoscope passed transnasally, we visualize the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures in real-time. As the patient consumes various consistencies—enhanced with food coloring for maximum visibility—we assess physiological function and safety. Because there is zero radiation exposure, we can take our time to test various compensatory strategies and therapeutic maneuvers. Every study concludes with immediate, actionable recommendations for the safest diet level and a targeted rehabilitation plan.
Understanding Dysphagia
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. It is often a symptom of underlying conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or head and neck cancer. Dysphagia can be dangerous because it can lead to aspiration, which occurs when food or liquid enters the airway and travels toward the lungs rather than the stomach. If left untreated, chronic aspiration can cause life-threatening complications like aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
Why FEES is often Necessary and Beneficial
When a patient shows signs of aspiration or clinical decline, you need answers quickly to ensure their safety and adjust their plan of care. FEES is an essential tool for creating a safe and effective treatment plan. It allows us to:
Identify Silent Aspiration: Many patients aspirate without coughing or showing external signs.
Assess Secretion Management: We can see how well a patient handles their own saliva, which is a critical predictor of pneumonia risk.
Visualize Anatomy: Unlike other tests, FEES provides a direct view of the tissue to look for swelling, redness, or structural abnormalities.
Direct Treatment: We can immediately test different "compensatory strategies" (like tucking the chin) or diet textures during the study to see what works best for the patient.
Why we prefer FEES over MBSS (Modified Barium Swallow)
While both are excellent tools, FEES offers several distinct advantages over the traditional X-ray based Modified Barium Swallow study:
No Radiation: FEES involves zero radiation exposure, making it safe for repeat evaluations to track progress.
Real Food & Fluids: We use actual foods and liquids (dyed green for visibility) rather than barium-tainted items, which can change the way a person swallows.
No Time Constraints: Because there is no radiation, we can take our time to observe how a patient fatigues over the course of a full meal—something an MBSS cannot do.
Bedside Convenience: We come to the patient. This eliminates the need for expensive and stressful transportation to a hospital radiology suite, which is especially beneficial for frail or medically complex patients.
Our specialized services ensure your patients receive the highest standard of care.
By combining bedside evaluations with targeted treatment strategies,
we help patients overcome dysphagia while remaining in your facility.
Our goal is to mitigate complications and
to avoid unnecessary hospital transfers.