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What to Expect During a FEES Swallowing Study: A Guide for Patients

Updated: Mar 31

If you or a loved one has been scheduled for a FEES (Flexible/Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing) study, you may be wondering what to expect. This quick and effective assessment provides valuable insights into your swallowing mechanism and helps determine if any dietary modifications, compensatory strategies, or swallowing therapy are needed to help you keep eating and drinking in a safe manner or how to help rehabilitate your swallow. Let’s walk through the process so you can feel prepared and confident.


What is a FEES Swallow Study?

A FEES study is a swallowing assessment performed by a trained Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) using a thin, flexible camera called an endoscope. This small camera allows your SLP to observe your throat and how food and liquid travel through your swallowing system.


Step-by-Step Process

  1. Introduction and Explanation: The SLP/Endoscopist will introduce themselves, explain the procedure and show you the equipment to help you feel comfortable. Here’s an example of what they might say:

    “Hello, my name is Valeria, and I am here to conduct a swallowing assessment for you. I use a thin camera that looks like a spaghetti noodle. The camera will be gently placed inside one of your nostrils.”

  2. Choosing the Best Nostril: Before inserting the camera, the SLP/Endoscopist may examine both nostrils to determine which side provides the easiest passage. They might say:

    “I will peek on the left side first, and if it looks nice and open, I will start to slide the camera in. If needed, I might check the right side as well.”


    Image of endoscope traveling through the nose during a FEES Swallowing Study
    Image of endoscope traveling through the nose during a FEES Swallowing Study

  3. Insertion of the Endoscope; The camera is carefully guided through your nose toward the back of your throat using the recorded image of your anatomy on a computer screen for guidance. While this part of the procedure may feel uncomfortable, it should not be painful. You may feel pressure, irritation, or slight discomfort, but your SLP will keep you informed every step of the way.

    “As I slide the camera in, you will feel some pressure and discomfort, possibly some irritation. I wouldn’t call it painful, but everyone experiences it differently. The hard part is almost over.”

  4. Observation and Food and Liquid Trials: Once the endoscope is in position, it will hang just above your throat, providing a clear view of the anatomy in your throat and overall swallowing function. Another individual such as a second Speech Pathologist, a nurse, or a family member will then give you small amounts of food and liquid, all of which have been dyed with regular food coloring (just like you’d find in a grocery store) to make them more visible.

    The test typically lasts about approximately 6 minutes, but in some cases, it may extend up to 8 to 10 minutes depending on what is observed.


    Typical food trials during a FEES swallowing study: Thin liquids, thickened liquids, pureed foods, mixed consistency such as fruit cocktail, soft and hard consistency solids
    Typical food trials during a FEES swallowing study: Thin liquids, thickened liquids, pureed foods, mixed consistency such as fruit cocktail, soft and hard consistency solids

  5. Reassurance and Communication: Throughout the study, the SLP/Endoscopist will guide you through each step to ensure you feel comfortable and understand what is happening.


After the Test

Once the assessment is complete, your SLP will remove the camera and discuss the results with you. They will explain their findings and any recommendations for your swallowing safety, which may include diet modifications, exercises, or further evaluation if needed.


Final Thoughts

A FEES swallow study is a valuable tool for assessing swallowing function. While the idea of a camera in your nose might seem intimidating, the process is well-tolerated by most people and provides essential information on your current swallowing function and what can be done to help improve your swallowing function . If you have any questions before or during the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your SLP—they are there to support you every step of the way!


By knowing what to expect, you can approach your FEES swallow study with confidence and peace of mind.


To schedule a FEES Swallowing Study with Dysphagia Evaluation Specialists, to ask us any questions about FEES/Mobile FEES, or to schedule an in-service at your facility, reach out to us here:

(732) 589-0147


We provide mobile FEES to skilled nursing facilities in NY and NJ, as well as clinic-based FEES in Brooklyn, NY!

 
 
 

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