Role of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in evaluating the pharyngeal phase of swallowing in patients with dysphagia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing, is a common symptom of various etiologies. The pharyngeal phase of swallowing is particularly critical for safe deglutition. FEES is a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool to evaluate this phase. The article’s main purpose is to estimate the prevalence and etiological profile of pharyngeal phase disorders using FEES in patients presenting with dysphagia and to analyze associated clinical and sociodemographic variables. The Associations were calculated by the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Cramer’s coefficient calculates the strength of association. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 150 patients presenting with dysphagia were subjected to FEES using standard protocols. Data on demographics, clinical diagnoses and findings, including residue, whiteout, penetration, aspiration and sensation, were analyzed. Results: In the study, the most common diagnosis was laryngopharyngeal reflux (20%), followed by carcinoma (16%). FEES findings revealed residues for solids in 29.3%, semisolids in 16% and liquids in 12.7%. Aspiration was observed in 4% for liquids and 2.7% each for semisolids and solids. Sensation was abnormal in 0.67% of the patients. A significant association was found between occupation and FEES findings (p=0.012) and between FEES and PAS scores (p=0.001). Conclusions: FEES is an effective tool for evaluating pharyngeal dysphagia and identifying the risk of aspiration. It allows real-time assessment and supports tailored management strategies.