*Speech Therapy
*Physical Therapy
*Occupational Therapy
F.E.E.S.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
• You, along with the therapist, will be able to have an excellent view of your structures and their functions.
• Your family can be present for the entire procedure.
• The Speech Pathologist that normally treats you may be present for the procedure (if you are being treated outside of our office).
•The tube contains a bright light source that is attached to a camera. The exam can be videotaped so it can be analyzed later if needed. The tube stays in your nose and is positioned in the back of your throat for the entire exam.
• During the exam, you will be asked to take small amounts of different consistencies of food and liquid. You will be asked to swallow them normally or to use different techniques taught by the FEES Specialist.
• The FEES Specialist will view structures in your throat while swallowing. They will be looking at what happens before and after the swallow and to see if anything goes down the wrong way. They might also look at what effect various changes make on the swallow such as different head positions, a breath-hold, changing food textures, and others.
Commonly Asked Questions Regarding F.E.E.S.
What is a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing?
A
fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a test used to
evaluate your swallowing function. Using an endoscope (a small flexible
tube with a light attached), the FEES Specialist will look in your
throat while swallow food and liquid.
Why is it ordered? What information will it give my doctors? How will it help me?
The
FEES will test your ability to swallow food and drink safely. If you
have difficulty swallowing or dysphagia, you may be at increased risk
for aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or drink enters the
windpipe, potentially going into the lungs. Aspiration may put you at
risk for developing breathing problems, aspiration pneumonia,
dehydration, and malnutrition.
Based
on information gathered from the FEEs, the FEES Specialist will
recommend to your doctor the best way for you to get the nutrition that
you need. This may include changing your diet, using compensatory
strategies to make swallowing safer and easier, or other options.
What happens during the procedure?
You
will be sitting up in your bed or chair. The FEES Specialist will pass
the endoscope through your nose and into the upper part of your throat.
Your vocal cords and the top of your airway will be seen on a monitor.
You will be given food and drink to swallow during the test, and the
clinician will be able to see whether any material enters your airway.
If you have swallowing problems, you may be asked to try different
techniques or positions while you swallow to see if they help. The food
and drink used for the study are dyed green with food coloring to make
them easier to see on the monitor.
Is this procedure painful?
Some people experience mild discomfort during the procedure, which may include a feeling of pressure or tightness in the nose or a gagging sensation.
The study usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Then the FEES Specialist will review the results and discuss them with you.
What are the risks with this procedure?
If you experience difficulty swallowing, there is a risk of aspiration of food or liquid during the procedure. The FEES specialist will make every effort to minimize any aspiration that occurs. There is less than 1 percent chance that you may experience a mild nosebleed or laryngospasm, which is a sudden brief closure of the airway.
How will I get the results of this test?
At the end of the procedure the FEES Specialist will review the results with you and recommend the most appropriate diet/nutrition plan. Recommendations and a full report of the study will be given to your doctor.
This information is intended as a resource for patients receiving their care at The Speech Path, LLC. It is not intended to substitute for medical advice from your healthcare team. If your doctor's instructions differ from the information in this on this page, please talk with your doctor before making any changes.
