Bronwyn Radich showing a patient medical device during a consultation

Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

  • A clinical swallowing assessment provides valuable information about your swallowing. Sometimes, however, a closer look is needed to understand exactly what is happening during the swallow and determine the most appropriate management.

    FEES may be recommended if you experience:

    • coughing or choking when eating or drinking

    • food, fluids or tablets feeling like they get stuck in your throat

    • needing to swallow several times to clear food

    • a wet or gurgly sounding voice after eating or drinking

    • food or drink "going down the wrong way"

    • repeated chest infections that may be related to swallowing

    • unexplained weight loss or dehydration

    • swallowing difficulties following stroke, neurological conditions, surgery or cancer treatment

    • ongoing swallowing concerns where more detailed assessment is needed

  • FEES helps us better understand your swallowing by answering questions such as:

    • Why does food feel like it gets stuck in my throat?

    • Is food or drink entering my airway when I swallow?

    • Why do I cough when I eat or drink?

    • Why does my voice sound wet or gurgly after swallowing?

    • Which foods or drinks are easiest and safest for me to swallow?

    • Which swallowing strategies are most effective for me?

    • What type of swallowing rehabilitation is most likely to help?

  • FEES is more than a diagnostic assessment—it helps guide rehabilitation.

    During the assessment, we can often trial different swallowing strategies, food and fluid consistencies, and rehabilitation techniques while observing their immediate effect. This allows us to identify the approaches that are most effective for you and develop an individualised rehabilitation programme based on objective assessment findings.

    Our goal is to understand the underlying cause of your swallowing difficulties and use that information to guide rehabilitation that supports safer, more comfortable and more efficient swallowing.

  • FEES is performed in our West Perth clinic

    A fine flexible camera is gently passed through one nostril to the back of the throat. Most people tolerate the procedure very well, and no sedation is required. Once the camera is in position, you will be asked to eat and drink a variety of foods and fluids while your swallowing is observed in real time. You can even watch as you eat and drink!

    Following the assessment, we will explain the findings, answer any questions you may have and develop an individualised management plan.

  • FEES is performed following a written referral from a medical practitioner. This ensures the assessment is undertaken within the context of your overall medical care and that the findings can be integrated into your ongoing management.

    A comprehensive report, including assessment findings and recommendations, is provided to your referring doctor and, where appropriate, other members of your healthcare team to support coordinated multidisciplinary care.

    Further information regarding the referral process for referrers can be found here