Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
FEES/Benefits
FEES/Benefits
FEES/Benefits
FEES stands for: Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. The exam requires the passing of a flexible endoscope through the nasal passageway, nasopharynx, and velopharyngeal port to view the base of tongue, pharynx, and larynx before, during, and after the swallow.
Patients who undergo FEES may benefit from the identification of l
FEES stands for: Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing. The exam requires the passing of a flexible endoscope through the nasal passageway, nasopharynx, and velopharyngeal port to view the base of tongue, pharynx, and larynx before, during, and after the swallow.
Patients who undergo FEES may benefit from the identification of loss of airway protective reflexes and swallowing problems. Based on this information, recommendations will be made regarding diet modifications to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway during a swallow.
Assessment
FEES/Benefits
FEES/Benefits
Example of some of the Areas that can be Assess during FEES:
- Poor airway secretions management.
- Velopharyngeal function.
- Functions of the larynx: cough, airway protection, voicing, breathing.
- TVC range of motion.
- Penetration/aspiration risk.
- Safe bolus volumes and consistencies.
- Swallow fatigue over a meal.
- Postural compensatory strategies
Advantages
FEES/Benefits
Advantages
- Portable equipment can be done bedside.
- Views the pharyngeal swallow on monitor.
- The patient receives P.O. trials as with traditional swallow assessment.
- FEES uses no barium; bolus is given in unaltered state.
- There is no time limit with FEES exam.
- Allows for biofeedback.
- Assessment of fatigue over a meal
- FEES is full color image of the laryngo
- Portable equipment can be done bedside.
- Views the pharyngeal swallow on monitor.
- The patient receives P.O. trials as with traditional swallow assessment.
- FEES uses no barium; bolus is given in unaltered state.
- There is no time limit with FEES exam.
- Allows for biofeedback.
- Assessment of fatigue over a meal
- FEES is full color image of the laryngopharynx bilaterally.
- FEES allows assessment of nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea.
- There is no radiation exposure with FEES.