Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a specialized assessment used to examine swallowing function and identify problems with the movement of food and liquids through the throat. It uses a thin flexible endoscope to provide a detailed view of the throat and laryngeal structures during swallowing.
Dr. Prakhar Kumar performs FEES when a detailed assessment of swallowing safety and function is required. The evaluation can help identify swallowing difficulties, residue, penetration, or aspiration and guide an appropriate management plan. Book a consultation.
Conditions
FEES may be recommended for patients with symptoms or conditions that can affect safe and effective swallowing.
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Swallowing difficulties after neurological conditions
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Coughing or choking during meals
- Suspected aspiration
- Throat or laryngeal disorders affecting swallowing
- Post-surgical or post-treatment swallowing difficulties
- Persistent swallowing problems requiring detailed evaluation
Symptoms
Certain swallowing symptoms may indicate the need for a detailed endoscopic swallowing assessment.
- Coughing while eating or drinking
- Choking during meals
- Difficulty initiating a swallow
- Feeling of food stuck in the throat
- Frequent throat clearing during meals
- Wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
- Repeated chest infections associated with swallowing difficulties
- Unexplained weight loss or reduced food intake
Causes
Swallowing difficulties may result from neurological, muscular, structural, or throat and laryngeal conditions.
- Neurological disorders affecting swallowing
- Muscle weakness affecting swallowing function
- Throat or laryngeal disorders
- Structural abnormalities of the throat
- Previous head and neck surgery
- Previous treatment for head and neck conditions
- Age-related changes in swallowing function
- Other conditions affecting the swallowing mechanism
Treatment
FEES is primarily an evaluation procedure. The findings help determine the safest and most appropriate approach for managing the identified swallowing problem.
- Detailed ENT consultation and swallowing history
- Flexible endoscopic examination of the throat and larynx
- Assessment of swallowing with appropriate food and liquid consistencies
- Evaluation of pharyngeal residue
- Assessment for penetration or aspiration
- Identification of swallowing difficulties
- Diet and swallowing modifications based on findings
- Speech and swallowing therapy or further specialist management when indicated
Benefits
FEES provides a detailed assessment of the throat and swallowing process and can help guide individualized swallowing care.
- Provides direct visualization of the throat and larynx
- Helps assess swallowing safety
- Helps identify aspiration risk
- Detects residue remaining after swallowing
- Helps identify specific swallowing difficulties
- Supports appropriate dietary recommendations
- Helps guide swallowing therapy
- Provides an individualized swallowing management plan
Prevention
Not all swallowing disorders can be prevented, but appropriate care and early evaluation can help reduce complications.
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
- Take small bites and sips when advised
- Maintain an upright position while eating
- Follow recommended swallowing techniques
- Follow prescribed dietary modifications
- Manage underlying throat and neurological conditions
- Seek evaluation for persistent coughing or choking during meals
- Attend recommended swallowing therapy and follow-up