SWALLOWING PROBLEMS (DYSHAGIA) have been found to occur in approximately 13 to 14 percent of all hospitalized patients, 40 to 50 percent of patients in nursing homes and approximately 33 percent of the patients in rehabilitation centers. Among the more common reasons for swallowing problems are sudden onset neurologic damage (e.g. stroke, head injury or spinal cord injury), progressive neurologic disease (e.g. Parkinson's disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis), head and neck tumors and their treatment and medical problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and diabetes.
Patients with suspected swallowing problems should be carefully evaluated and appropriate treatment initiated in order to prevent complications from their swallowing disorders, such as dehydration, malnutrition, choking and pneumonia.
FEES FOR FIBEROPTIC ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF SWALLOWING
The Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure used by speech-language pathologists to evaluate the pharyngeal stages of swallowing. The portable study uses a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope which is passed transnasally to the hypopharynx. The scope hangs above the epiglottis and does not pass between the vocal folds. Patients are seated in a functional feeding position and are offered a variety of food consistencies while the swallow is viewed on a TV monitor. The study is recorded and video prints can be left in the medical chart.
The clinician can clearly view laryngeal and pharyngeal structures. The patient is led through various tasks to evaluate the sensory and motor status. Food and liquid are given to the patient so that swallow ability can be determined.
The primary objectives of the FEES are similar to MBS: to assess the pharyngeal stage of swallowing; to detect aspiration; and to determine the safest and least restrictive diet level for the patient.
The major advantages of the FEES compared to MBS are:
Information obtained from the FEES examination includes:
Please call to schedule a FEES test at your Nursing Home, Rehab Facility, Assisted Living Facility, Home or at our Facility.
(518) 682-2799
Patients with suspected swallowing problems should be carefully evaluated and appropriate treatment initiated in order to prevent complications from their swallowing disorders, such as dehydration, malnutrition, choking and pneumonia.
FEES FOR FIBEROPTIC ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF SWALLOWING
The Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure used by speech-language pathologists to evaluate the pharyngeal stages of swallowing. The portable study uses a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope which is passed transnasally to the hypopharynx. The scope hangs above the epiglottis and does not pass between the vocal folds. Patients are seated in a functional feeding position and are offered a variety of food consistencies while the swallow is viewed on a TV monitor. The study is recorded and video prints can be left in the medical chart.
The clinician can clearly view laryngeal and pharyngeal structures. The patient is led through various tasks to evaluate the sensory and motor status. Food and liquid are given to the patient so that swallow ability can be determined.
The primary objectives of the FEES are similar to MBS: to assess the pharyngeal stage of swallowing; to detect aspiration; and to determine the safest and least restrictive diet level for the patient.
The major advantages of the FEES compared to MBS are:
- Cost effective
- Physicians do not need to be present IN THE ROOM during the procedure (Videostrobe currently requires the physician to be in the room
- Portability to bedside, can be performed at the patient's location no need for transporting patients
- FEES can be offered to medically complex patients and patients on mechanical ventilation
- No radiation
- No need to be cleared for isolation precautions
- No Barium which is distasteful to the patient
- Uses actual meal tray items
- Direct viewing of laryngeal functioning for airway protection
- Functional - it simulates natural every day eating
- Quick testing and results
- Used to train the patient via biofeedback
- Assesses secretions management before risking aspiration of a feeding trial
- Better assessment of neurological status (including sensation)
- More detailed rendering of the anatomy than other methodologies
- Reliable in detecting aspiration
- Strong evaluation tool in the establishment of treatment and compensatory strategies
- The SLP is extremely uselful in guiding the dietary and behavioral management of patients with difficulty swallowing
Information obtained from the FEES examination includes:
- Ability to protect and sustain protection of the airway
- Ability to initiate a prompt swallow
- Timing and direction of movement of the bolus
- Ability to clear the bolus during the swallow
- Presence of pooling and residue of material
- Sensitivity of the pharyngeal/laryngeal structures
- The effect of anatomy on the swallow
Please call to schedule a FEES test at your Nursing Home, Rehab Facility, Assisted Living Facility, Home or at our Facility.
(518) 682-2799
