By Nancy Bassett, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Services
In an effort to enhance the quality of care for patients experiencing swallowing disorders, Sidney Health Center is proud to announce the addition of the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) assessment to its services. This cutting-edge diagnostic tool will play a vital role in better understanding swallowing difficulties, helping healthcare providers tailor treatment plans and ensure safer outcomes for patients.
What is FEES?
FEES is a minimally invasive procedure that allows clinicians to examine the swallowing process in real-time. Using a small, flexible scope inserted through the nose, the FEES procedure provides a detailed view of the throat and airway as food and liquid are swallowed. This approach gives healthcare providers a clear understanding of how well the muscles involved in swallowing are functioning and can detect problems such as aspiration, choking risk, and incomplete swallowing.
Unlike traditional swallow studies, FEES allows for the direct visualization of swallowing while the patient is actively eating and drinking regular food items, providing critical insights into areas that might not be visible through other means. It is especially helpful for patients who have neurological conditions, head and neck cancer, or other swallowing impairments.
How This Will Benefit Our Community
The addition of FEES to Sidney Health Center's diagnostic services represents a significant step toward improving patient care in our community. Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, affect people of all ages and can result from a variety of medical conditions. When left undiagnosed or untreated, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and even aspiration pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
With FEES, healthcare providers will be better equipped to identify swallowing dysfunctions early and recommend appropriate therapies, interventions, and, when necessary, dietary modifications to reduce the risks associated with impaired swallowing. The ability to provide such specialized care here in our own community means patients won’t need to travel far or wait for months to receive the high-level treatment they need.
The Procedure: What to Expect
For patients undergoing the FEES assessment, the procedure is generally well-tolerated, and typically performed on an outpatient basis. The endoscope, which is small and flexible, is gently inserted through the nose to provide a view of the throat and vocal cords. During the test, patients are asked to swallow various consistencies of food and liquids, which help clinicians evaluate how effectively their swallowing mechanism is functioning.
While the procedure is generally painless and takes 15-30 minutes, patients may feel some minor discomfort, such as a sensation of pressure or slight gagging. The results of the assessment are typically available immediately after the procedure, enabling clinicians to begin discussing treatment options and recommendations.
Who Will Benefit from FEES?
The FEES assessment will be especially beneficial to those suffering from conditions such as:
- Neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
- Head and neck cancer
- Trauma or surgery involving the throat or esophagus
- Aging-related swallowing difficulties
However, anyone experiencing symptoms like difficulty swallowing, choking, coughing while eating or drinking, or unexplained weight loss should consider seeking a referral for a FEES assessment.
Committed to Providing Comprehensive Care
The introduction of FEES is part of Sidney Health Center’s ongoing commitment to offering comprehensive, patient-centered care. This service will be available to both outpatient and inpatient populations, ensuring that all community members have access to the latest advancements in diagnostic technology.
As always, anyone with concerns about their swallowing are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or specialist, who can help determine if a FEES assessment is right for them.
Sidney Health Center is thrilled to be able to offer this new service and look forward to its positive impact on the health and well-being of our community.
For more information, please contact Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Services at (406) 488-2166. Together, we are working to ensure that everyone in our community can swallow, speak, and live with confidence.
About Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Services
At Sidney Health Center Rehabilitation Services, we are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that supports recovery, enhances independence, and improves quality of life. Our expert team specializes in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy, offering services in a variety of settings—including inpatient, outpatient, extended care, home health, and schools.
We treat patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, addressing a wide range of conditions such as musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, metabolic and systemic conditions, genetic disorders, and general medical concerns. No matter your rehabilitation needs, we are here to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
To learn more, visit SidneyHealth.org/Services/Rehabilitation-Services.