A FEES swallow study, short for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, is a real-time, endoscopic procedure that allows clinicians to directly observe how food and liquid move through the throat. Unlike more traditional imaging tests, FEES is portable, minimally invasive, and offers immediate visual feedback making it a practical, evidence-backed choice for diagnosing and treating dysphagia.
What Happens During a FEES Swallow Study
The procedure is straightforward. A clinician inserts a thin, flexible scope through the patient’s nose, positioning it just above the larynx. The patient is then asked to swallow different food and liquid consistencies, often dyed for contrast. The goal is to observe the timing, safety, and efficiency of the swallow without interrupting the act itself.
This allows clinicians to assess issues like delayed initiation, poor airway protection, or residue buildup in the throat.FEES provides critical visual data that goes far beyond what can be inferred from symptoms alone. Clinicians can see secretions, silent aspiration, detect pharyngeal residue, and evaluate whether sensory responses are intact. That level of detail is hard to replicate with other tests.
How FEES Influences the Dysphagia Care Plan
The immediate feedback from a FEES study makes it possible to adjust treatment in real time. A patient might be switched to a safer liquid consistency, coached through specific swallowing strategies, or prescribed therapeutic exercises to strengthen function. In some cases, the study may identify a need for temporary non-oral feeding while the airway is protected.
When FEES Is the Better Choice
One of the most promising shifts in recent years is the growing use of mobile FEES, bringing the test directly to patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and even homes. Implementing mobile FEES led to faster diagnoses, fewer hospital transfers, and improved adherence to dysphagia therapy, particularly in long-term care settings where access to imaging can be limited.
These kinds of outcomes demonstrate that FEES is not only clinically robust, but also adaptable capable of meeting patients where they are, both literally and diagnostically.
Compared to a modified barium swallow study (MBSS), FEES offers several advantages. It can be repeated without radiation exposure, performed at bedside, and used in patients who are medically fragile or difficult to transport. It’s also ideal for testing sensory responses and monitoring secretions, two things a fluoroscopic exam can’t do well.
For clinicians, the decision often comes down to the specific diagnostic question. When airway protection, secretion management, or laryngeal sensation are in question, FEES is often the more direct and informative tool.
Whether you’re a provider seeking clarity for a complex case or an administrator looking for scalable tools, our mobile and on-site FEES services are designed to deliver both clinical insight and operational ease. To learn more visit diagnostechfees.com or reach out for a free consultation.
