Comparing Simultaneous Clinical Swallow Evaluations and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Findings and Consequences Introduction: Simultaneous blinded comparisons between the results of a clinical swallowing evaluation (CSE) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were performed. Methods: Raters were two groups of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in dysphagia. One group analyzed the FEES video alone and the other group analyzed the CSE ... Article
Article  |   February 01, 2015
Comparing Simultaneous Clinical Swallow Evaluations and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Findings and Consequences
Steven B. Leder
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Steven B. Leder
    Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
  • Financial Disclosure: Steven B. Leder is a professor in the Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology at Yale School of Medicine.
    Financial Disclosure: Steven B. Leder is a professor in the Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology at Yale School of Medicine.×
  • Nonfinancial Disclosure: Steven B. Leder has previously published in the subject area.
    Nonfinancial Disclosure: Steven B. Leder has previously published in the subject area.×
  • Copyright © 2015 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Article Information
Swallowing, Dysphagia & Feeding Disorders / Articles
Article   |   February 01, 2015
Comparing Simultaneous Clinical Swallow Evaluations and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluations of Swallowing: Findings and Consequences
SIG 13 Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), February 2015, Vol. 24, 12-17. doi:10.1044/sasd24.1.12
History: Received July 14, 2014 , Revised September 26, 2014 , Accepted October 6, 2014
SIG 13 Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia), February 2015, Vol. 24, 12-17. doi:10.1044/sasd24.1.12
History: Received July 14, 2014; Revised September 26, 2014; Accepted October 6, 2014

Introduction: Simultaneous blinded comparisons between the results of a clinical swallowing evaluation (CSE) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) were performed.

Methods: Raters were two groups of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with expertise in dysphagia. One group analyzed the FEES video alone and the other group analyzed the CSE video alone. No consistent agreement was found between the CSE and FEES raters regarding pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology, bolus flow characteristics, and oral diet recommendations.

Results: There was also no consensus on the need for instrumental testing. Watching the CSE video alone prevented expert SLPs who use a CSE from determining pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology, bolus flow characteristics, silent aspiration, and making informed diet recommendations and intervention strategies. Watching the FEES video alone allowed expert SLPs who use FEES to determine pharyngeal and laryngeal anatomy and physiology and bolus flow characteristics and make evidence-based oral diet recommendations.

Discussion: A CSE does not have good clinical utility for determining pharyngeal dysphagia. The consequences of these results will be discussed.

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