FEES (flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing)
FEES (flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) is used to examine swallowing and identify cause of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
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What is it for?
Procedure to identify the characteristics and cause of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Diagnostic overview
Our specialist team at The London Clinic offer FEES (flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) to check what happens when you swallow.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is a common symptom that can have many different causes.
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, FEES may be recommended so doctors can find out what might be the cause. FEES can also be used to make sure anything you swallow does not end up in your airways (aspiration).
FEES is carried out using a type of endoscope called a nasendoscope. This thin, flexible tube contains a camera at the end of a fibreoptic cable and a light. Images from the camera are transmitted to a screen so the therapist can see inside your nose and throat and observe what happens when you swallow.
At The London Clinic, we provide rapid access and easy booking for a wide range of diagnostic tests so our team of specialists can identify the cause of your symptoms without delay.
FEES is a safe, quick and convenient procedure, carried out in the comfort of our welcoming clinic as part of our speech therapy services.
If you need treatment, we have everything you need to get exceptional care personalised to you, including experienced consultants, dietitians and nursing teams who will support you throughout your time as our patient.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
FEES: What happens during your diagnostic test
FEES can be carried out for inpatients or outpatients at The London Clinic. You should allow around an hour for your appointment.
- Before the procedure: Our team will explain what will happen and what you need to do. Unless we advise you otherwise, you’ll be able to eat and drink normally before and after your appointment.
- Getting ready: You’ll need to sit upright during the procedure. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable throughout.
- Inserting the nasendoscope: The nasendoscope is then inserted gently through your nostril until the speech and language therapist can see your throat. You may feel some discomfort but it should not be painful.
- Voice test: You’ll be asked to swallow a few times and you may also be asked to speak or sing.
- Real time images: Our speech and language therapists will be able to see the images from inside your throat on a screen in real time. You’ll also be able to look at the images on the screen if you wish to.
- Swallow test: With the nasendoscope still in place, you’ll be given a drink and some foods of different consistencies to swallow. Usually, a small amount of food dye is added to help give clearer images of what happens when you swallow.
- Finishing up: After around 10 and 20 minutes, the endoscope will then be gently removed. The team will check you are feeling well and you’ll then be able to go home.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are many different causes of swallowing difficulties. If you are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to quickly identify what is causing them as soon as possible so you can receive appropriate treatment.
FEES is a common procedure with very low associated risks.
One of the benefits of FEES is that it does not involve any exposure to radiation, unlike some imaging scans.
You may feel some discomfort, but it is not usually painful.
Some patients experience a mild nosebleed after FEES.
You may feel a little faint or lightheaded after the procedure.
The presence of the camera in your throat may make you cough.
Our team will be on hand to advise you and offer support during your appointment and after.
You’ll be given the initial results of the FEES straight away.
Our team of doctors and specialists will then review a video of the procedure and provide you with a more detailed analysis within a couple of days.
If you need treatment, your care team at The London Clinic will develop a care plan tailored to you – with everything you need in one place to get back to your best health.