Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in poststroke dysphagia - Seeing is believing

Abstract

Background: A bedside scoring to assess swallowing status and the presence of aspiration may sometimes be misleading. Hence, an objective evaluation by endoscopy is desirable. Aims: The aim of this study is to confirm whether a bedside scoring system for poststroke dysphagia correlates well with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Settings and Design: This was an institutional prospective observational pilot study. Materials and Methods: Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS) score, FEES, and patients with dysphagia following stroke were used in this study. Statistical Analysis: Spearman's nonparametric rank correlation test for independent variables was used in this study. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation exists between the bedside score and findings of FEES. FEES is a convenient and convincing method to confirm aspiration in patients with stroke and is also a means for patient education. Conclusions: FEES may be safely and conveniently performed in patients with poststroke dysphagia to confirm the presence or absence of aspiration.