ANMC speech-language pathologists introduce new testing procedure
December 16, 2016Categories: Alaska Native Medical Center
ANMC’s speech-language pathologists are now offering fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), which has become a globally recognized gold standard for evaluating patients with difficulty or abnormal swallowing and assessing swallowing function. FEES can be done with both adults and pediatric patients when appropriate. ANMC’s certified speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat adults and children with speech, language, voice and swallowing problems. This new testing procedure is conveniently performed bedside and is well tolerated by both adult and pediatric patients. Historically, swallow evaluations have been completed by use of a clinical bedside assessment or by use of videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Abbey Jackson, Clinical Practice Manager, has been instrumental in starting the FEES program at ANMC. “It’s a procedure that we can use to evaluate the pharyngeal stage of swallowing. What’s great about it is that it is portable. We can take it to the patient’s bedside. We can have it at the bedside and the patient never has to leave their room.” During the FEES procedure, a specially trained speech-language pathologist uses a flexible laryngoscope passed through the nasopharynx to view the airway. The patient is then asked to perform functional voicing, eating and/or drinking tasks for the assessment of swallowing function. A video monitor at the bedside allows both the speech-language pathologist, the patient and caregivers to see the structures of the pharynx as the food and beverages pass, and view the airway directly. VFSS will continue to be utilized through the Radiology Department, but our speech-language pathologists are excited to have the FEES technology available for specific patients, especially those who are not ready or able to leave their hospital room.