Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES Exam)

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is an instrumental examination of swallowing that allows the clinician to view your swallow function as food and liquid pass through your throat and into your esophagus. This is especially helpful if you are experiencing swallowing difficulties such as choking because this is the phase of the swallow where food and liquid pass by the airway.

In order to view the swallow, a small flexible fiberoptic scope is passed through your nose and into your throat, where it is held in position throughout the exam. No anesthetic is required. You are encouraged to bring and eat the foods that you are having difficulty swallowing. The exam is video-recorded and will be reviewed with you immediately. Recommendations will be discussed with you at the time of the exam, and a report is sent to the referring physician.