Swallowing Problems

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) assesses swallowing, without X-rays. An ear nose and throat doctor or a speech consistancy language pathologist passes a small, flexible, custom-designed scope, attached to a camera, through the nose and into the middle of the throat. The clinician records pictures of the throat and voice box as patients swallow liquid and foods.

During the test, the speech-language pathologist may ask the patient to try various postures, such as tucking in the chin, to determine if changes improve swallowing. A FEES also provides information on how well a person swallows secretions - or identifies if secretions, liquids, or foods are aspirated (go into the airway). The test can be done in a doctor's office in about 10 minutes. No preparation is necessary.