FEES
Also written as: FEES — Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
An instrumental assessment in which a flexible endoscope is passed transnasally to allow direct visualisation of the pharyngeal and laryngeal structures during swallowing, used to evaluate aspiration risk and guide dietary modification.
Full Definition
FEES is one of two principal instrumental swallowing assessments used in geriatric rehabilitation, the other being videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS or modified barium swallow). FEES offers the advantage of portability—it can be performed at the bedside or in a rehabilitation unit without radiological facilities—and provides direct visualisation of secretion management and penetration or aspiration events. In editorial documents, 'FEES' is always capitalised as an acronym and should be expanded on first use. It should not be described as a 'swallowing X-ray' (which refers to VFSS). Editors should verify that dietary texture recommendations documented following FEES align with the IDDSI framework terminology.
Usage
Usage note: Note the British spelling 'fibreoptic' vs US 'fiberoptic'; match the document's regional style. Always expand on first use. Do not confuse with VFSS, which uses fluoroscopic imaging rather than endoscopy.
In Context
- "FEES confirmed silent aspiration of thin fluids, prompting modification to IDDSI Level 1 (slightly thick) fluids." — Speech and language therapy FEES report
- "The editor changed 'FEES (Functional Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)' to the correct expansion 'Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing'." — Manuscript proofreading note