Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

A Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) test utilizes a flexible endoscope with a tiny camera at the end, which is passed through the nose and into the throat in order to display the action of swallowing on a screen. Numbing solution is used in the nose to make the procedure more comfortable. Patients are provided foods of varying consistency and liquids to swallow. They may also be asked to try swallowing with their head at different angles while the doctor observes their swallowing movements. Some of what is consumed by the patient may be infused with food dye to make it easier to visualize on the monitor. This painless test can help in identifying the problem behind a swallowing disorder and the most effective potential treatment options.