Fiberoptic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)
SERVICES
What is a FEES test?
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure that allows Speech Language Pathologists to assess a patient’s swallow function by viewing the pharynx, larynx, vocal cords and the opening of the esophagus, through the use of a small flexible telescope that is passed through the nose while the patient swallows a variety of food textures and liquids to determine the safest diet for those with dysphagia.
Who may need a FEES test?
- Overt coughing/choking while eating or drinking
- The feeling/sensation that something is
“stuck” while eating. - Recurrent pneumonia
- Food avoidance/weight loss
- Head and neck cancer patients
- CVA/TIA
- Head injury
- Conditions that lead to decreased saliva (such as Sjogren’s syndrome)
- Parkinson’s disease or other neurologic conditions
- Muscular dystrophies
- Obstruction in the esophagus (such as from cancer)
- Intubation/Extubation patients
Advantages of a FEES test:
- No radiation exposure.
- Can be completed locally in the Speech Language Pathology outpatient office, Frank Wells Nursing Home or Ed Fraser Memorial Hospital whereas a Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) must be performed at a Jacksonville hospital with a Speech Language Pathologist, radiologist and radiology technology.
- A patient does not have to be able to sit up independently and can be done from their hospital bed.
- This makes it possible for patients who are currently on mechanical ventilation, morbidly obese, or medically complex patients unable to leave the bed, room, ward, or sit in an upright position to have this test performed.
- No constipation from barium use.
- No 2-3 week wait to get an appointment.
- More cost-effective than an MBS.
Contact Information
To schedule an appointment for a FEES test, please call (904) 259-3151 ext. 2243.