What is FEES?
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a well-established technique that has revolutionized the field of dysphagia diagnostics. FEES is a sensitive, accurate, portable, and safe examination that yields clinically useful information relative to swallowing physiology and swallowing safety. The procedure involves passing a flexible endoscope across the floor of a patient’s nasal passage into the pharynx so that the larynx, pharynx and upper esophageal opening are viewed directly from above. Then the patient is administered food or liquids mixed with food coloring in order to determine safe swallowing function and integrity. FEES can be done at the patient’s bedside, in an office, intensive care unit or in a long-term care facility in under 20 minutes with regular food and liquids. Since there is absolutely no radiation administered the studies are able to be sustained for longer time intervals, allowing the clinicians the ability to tell if a patient’s swallowing technique is impacted by fatigue.
What are the benefits of using Aspen Speech Therapy to perform FEES?
Aspen Speech Therapy is the only private practice in Northern Colorado trained in performing Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), a well-established technique that has revolutionized the field of dysphagia diagnostics.
Mobile
No transportation cost! The exam can be completed at the patient’s bedside – they can be tested in a bed or chair.
Visual Feedback
Video during the exam may be helpful for patients as biofeedback for improving vocal fold closure and pharyngeal squeeze.
Supportive Documentation
Professional, comprehensive reports provide detailed information regarding physiology, anatomy, and swallow function. Still photos and/ or video will be available for the facility speech pathologist and/ or physician.
Safe and Well Tolerated
The FEES exam is safe and does not expose the patient to any radiation or anesthetic.
Cost Saving
The portable FEES exam is less expensive than the Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) study.
Accurate
Multiple studies show that FEES is as accurate as a Modified Barium Swallow Study for detecting aspiration and determining oral diet safety.
Wide Array of Test Materials
No barium flavor! We are able to test a variety of foods and liquids including patient-specific items such as pills and carbonated beverages without alteration of texture or taste.
Time Efficient
FEES is the most time efficient method for instrumental evaluation swallow function.
Information obtained from the FEES examination includes:
- Ability to protect and sustain protection of the airway
- Ability to initiate a prompt swallow
- Timing and direction of movement of the bolus
- Ability to clear the bolus during the swallow
- Presence of pooling and residue of material
- Sensitivity of the pharyngeal/laryngeal structures
- The effect of anatomy on the swallow
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