Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): Assessing Swallowing in Infants and Children

Abstract

By Taylor Jones, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Advisor: Claire Kane Miller

Presentation ID: AM_B13

Abstract: Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) offers a means to directly visualize swallowing function and is within the scope of practice of the speech-language pathologist. The procedure can be used safely to evaluate swallowing in infants and children who present with clinical signs and symptoms of swallowing dysfunction. Such signs and symptoms include coughing, choking, gagging, or color changes during feeding that suggest swallowing abnormalities. FEES involves the use of an endoscope passed through the nasal passage and into the pharynx so that the client's larynx and surrounding anatomy can be viewed. Following the insertion of the endoscope, the client is given food and/or drink and the swallow is observed. While FEES is an appropriate procedure to observe swallowing in adults, the evaluation is comfortable for patients and is therefore a fitting method for children with suspected swallowing dysfunction. The indications for FEES and the types of swallowing events that can be visualized will be described.