Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Infants and Children: Protocol, Safety, and Clinical Efficacy: 25 Years of Experience

Abstract

Background: The application of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in the pediatric dysphagia protocol requires specialized knowledge of pediatric conditions that result in dysphagia, recognition of normal and abnormal laryngopharyngeal anatomy and function across ages, and the ability to identify maturational changes in anatomy and function of the aerodigestive tract that pertain to airway protection and swallowing function.

Methods: Over the past 25 years, we have performed over 7,000 collaborative Otolaryngology and Speech-Language Pathology FEES examinations in patients ranging from 2 days of age to young adults. During this time period, we have monitored the safety of the procedure, explored the feasibility and utility of FEES across conditions, compared and contrasted FEES to the videofluoroscopic evaluation of swallowing (VFSS), and developed specific pediatric FEES protocols with operational definitions for identification and interpretation of swallowing parameters.

Results: FEES has proved to be a safe procedure in patients across ages. There have been no significant adverse events. FEES is comparable to the VFSS in the assessment of events before and after the swallow. It provides unique information regarding laryngopharyngeal anatomy and function, airway protection integrity, sensory threshold, and secretion management ability, as well as pharyngeal swallowing dynamics and the efficacy of compensatory swallowing strategies.

Conclusions: There are specific indications and contraindications for pediatric FEES, and unique components that characterize the pediatric FEES protocols across ages and conditions. FEES procedures performed jointly by an Otolaryngologist and Speech-Language pathologist offer a team approach to interpretation and management recommendations.

Keywords: children; dysphagia; fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing; infants; swallowing disorders.