FAQ

What Are The Benefits of FEES?

1. Cost effective
2. Portability to bedside
3. No radiation
4. No Barium which is distasteful to the patient
5. Uses actual meal tray items
6. Direct viewing of laryngeal functioning for airway protection
7. Functional – it simulates natural every day eating
8. Quick testing and results
9. Used to train the patient via biofeedback
10. Assesses secretions management before risking aspiration of a feeding trial

What Information Can Be Obtained by FEES?

1. Ability to initiate a prompt swallow
2. Timing and direction of movement of the bolus
3. Ability to clear the bolus during the swallow
4. Presence of pooling and residue of material
5. Sensitivity of the pharyngeal/laryngeal structures
6. The effect of anatomy on the swallow and the ability to protect and sustain protection of the airway.
7. Appropriate postural changes and swallowing maneuvers are attempted to detect problems and enable the examiner to make recommendations regarding optimal interventions to improve the safety and efficiency of the swallow, the advisability of oral feeding, and use of appropriate behavioral strategies that facilitate safe and efficient swallowing.