The modified barium swallow and the functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2013 Dec;46(6):1009-22. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2013.08.001. Epub 2013 Oct 8.

Abstract

This article reviews the current standard of care for the instrumental evaluation of swallow function using the modified barium swallow (MBS) and the functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Both the MBS and FEES are valuable procedures for evaluating dysphagia and show good agreement with diagnostic findings as related to tracheal aspiration, laryngeal penetration, pharyngeal residue, diet level, and compensatory swallow safety strategies. The use of the MBS and FEES has advantages and disadvantages and both should be considered the gold standard for evaluating swallow function.

Keywords: Deglutition; Dysphagia; Endoscopy; Fluoroscopy; Swallow.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Barium Sulfate*
  • Contrast Media
  • Deglutition
  • Deglutition Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Deglutition Disorders* / etiology
  • Deglutition Disorders* / physiopathology
  • Endoscopy / methods*
  • Fluoroscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Diseases / complications
  • Laryngeal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Laryngeal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Respiratory Aspiration / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Aspiration / etiology
  • Respiratory Aspiration / physiopathology
  • Symptom Assessment

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Barium Sulfate