Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a safe, minimally invasive procedure used to assess how well a person swallows. It involves passing a thin, flexible endoscope through the nose to visualize the throat (pharynx and larynx) while the patient eats and drinks different consistencies of food and liquids.

FEES helps diagnose swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, and guides effective treatment planning.

Why is FEES Done?

FEES is recommended to:

Evaluate difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

Detect aspiration (food/liquid entering the airway)

Assess swallowing after stroke or neurological disorders

Monitor patients with head & neck cancers

Evaluate persistent coughing during meals

Plan rehabilitation and swallowing therapy

Who Needs This Test?

You may require FEES if you experience:

Choking or coughing while eating or drinking

Sensation of food getting stuck in the throat

Unexplained weight loss

Recurrent chest infections or aspiration pneumonia

Voice changes after swallowing

How is the Procedure Performed?

Preparation

The nose may be numbed with a mild anesthetic spray for comfort.

Endoscope Insertion

A thin, flexible camera is gently passed through the nostril.

Swallowing Assessment

You will be given food/liquids of different textures (colored for visibility).

Real-Time Observation

The specialist observes how food moves through the throat and checks for aspiration or residue.

Completion

The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis.

Benefits of FEES

No radiation exposure

Real-time visualization of swallowing

Can be performed at bedside or clinic

Safe for repeated evaluations

Helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

Is FEES Painful?

FEES is generally well tolerated. You may feel slight discomfort or a gagging sensation, but it is brief and manageable.