Frequently Asked Questions
Does FEES Hurt?
No. Contrary to what you might think, most patients report it feels strange and they feel pressure in the nose as the scope is passed, but it is not painful.
How long does FEES take?
The scoping time itself ranges from about 5-15 minutes.
Is there a charge if the patient can’t tolerate the study?
No. A charge for a study is only made if the scope is successfully passed and the hypopharynx is visualized.
Can swallow strategies be tried during the FEES?
Yes! This is one of the best things about FEES. We can try strategies being used in therapy as well as try new strategies that are appropriate to the patient’s swallow physiology deficits.
I’m not sure if my patient really needs a FEES, so how do I decide?
Call me! I love talking through patient cases with the SLPs I work with. I want to help you make the right decision for your patient. Sometimes a FEES is the answer, and sometimes it is not. I will never sign your patient up for a FEES if I don’t think it will be of value.
Do You Use Any Anesthetic?
No. Studies don’t support need for it, and rare is the patient who just can’t tolerate the passing of the scope. We do use lubricant on the scope, making the study as comfortable as possible.
Can you do FEES on a patient with dementia?
YES! A patient’s cognitive status is not usually a barrier to performing a FEES. Occasionally there is a patient who just will not let the scope pass, but it’s always worth a try if there are signs of dysphagia or aspiration and an instrumental swallow assessment is indicated.
Can FEES be done in a patient who can’t get up into a chair or who isn’t mobile?
Yes, we can do the study wherever the patient typically eats, and in whatever position is their norm. In some cases, we will assess how the swallow looks with different head of bed positions to see if the patient being more upright makes any difference to their swallow safety.
Is FEES OK for a patient on a ventilator or with a trach?
Yes, FEES is the BEST instrumental study for this population because it is done at bed or chairside, and we can follow the patient’s pacing. In addition to assessment of swallow, FEES can give important information about airway patency and protection, secretion management, and the overall physical condition of the larynx.
Can FEES be done on Covid positive patients?
Yes, the beauty of FEES is it comes to the patient, even in rooms with infection precautions in place. Our cleaning protocols follow best practice and industry standards for high level disinfection.
A Note About Infection Control Protocols
Infection prevention has always been important to us, but now with SARS CoV-2 (the Covid virus), we are happy to comply with each facility’s individual infection control protocols with regard to masking, hand sanitizing, and other safety precautions. Our endoscopists are fully vaccinated and follow state mandates for health care workers.
We follow strict infection control procedures and are able to perform FEES on patients who may be on contact, airborne, or enteric precautions. Scopes are thoroughly cleaned immediately after the study using high level disinfection, following all manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) and in accordance with best practices. Please ask if you have specific questions regarding our infection control practices.