Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): An Effective Method for Your Swallowing Safety
I am Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy. Since 2004, I have been specializing in swallowing disorders and voice diseases. Today, I would like to inform you about flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, which I frequently apply in my clinical practice and is extremely effective in diagnosing swallowing disorders.
Why is Swallowing Evaluated?
Swallowing is a complex process in which the mouth, throat, and esophagus work in coordination. Even the slightest disruption in this process can affect quality of life. Food accidentally entering the airway during swallowing, frequent coughing, feeling of choking, or unexplained lung infections can be signs of swallowing difficulty. If these complaints are present, a detailed swallowing evaluation is essential.
What is Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing?
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a diagnostic method performed with the help of a thin and flexible camera inserted through the nose, during which the patient is awake and able to speak. During the procedure, the patient swallows food and beverages of different consistencies colored with food dye, and the inside of the throat is directly visualized during this time. Whether the food passes through the correct pathway and whether there is aspiration (entry into the airway) is clearly detected.
Why is This Evaluation Important?
FEES is very valuable for both diagnosis and treatment planning. Details such as whether reflexes work during swallowing, movements of the tongue and soft palate, and whether food accumulates in the throat are directly observed. Therapeutic suggestions (such as position changes, swallowing techniques) can also be tested during the application.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- The patient is evaluated in a sitting position.
- A thin endoscope is advanced through the nose to the back of the throat.
- The patient swallows foods of different consistencies (water, yogurt, puree, etc.) in sequence.
- The entire process is recorded with high-resolution imaging and detailed analysis is performed.
The procedure is short-term, does not require anesthesia, and is often well tolerated by patients.
We also perform this procedure at home with our team for patients who cannot come to the hospital.
Who Can Benefit from This Evaluation?
- Patients experiencing swallowing difficulties after stroke
- Those with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, ALS, MS
- Those who have been intubated for long periods
- Those with persistent cough, feeling of throat obstruction
- Those experiencing voice hoarseness and voice changes during feeding
Why Me?
In 2004, I received special training on swallowing evaluation and treatment by working with Prof. Dr. Jonathan Aviv and Prof. Dr. Thomas Murry at Columbia University. I became one of the first ENT specialists to apply flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in Turkey. I have years of experience in both diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders. I offer my patients not just a test, but a holistic evaluation and treatment process.
In Conclusion
Swallowing is a fundamental function of life and is too important to be ignored. If you have complaints, having an evaluation without delay both clarifies the diagnosis and eliminates unnecessary concerns. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is one of the most reliable and effective methods in this field.
