Which statement is true about FEES and VFSS?

• A. FEES involves radiation exposure.
• B. FEES allows bedside assessment with no radiation and has a brief swallow white-out; VFSS provides continuous dynamic imaging.
• C. VFSS cannot visualize laryngeal structures.
• D. FEES cannot be performed at the bedside.

Answer: (B)

FEES is a bedside procedure that uses a flexible endoscope to view the larynx and pharynx without any radiation. A swallow causes a brief “white-out” on the view because the tissues move and occlude the camera, so you assess safety by observing the pre- and post-swallow phases for penetration, residue, or aspiration. VFSS, on the other hand, uses fluoroscopy to provide continuous, dynamic imaging of the entire swallow from mouth to esophagus and involves radiation exposure. It can visualize laryngeal structures during the swallow, which FEES cannot capture in real time, making the matched statement the correct choice.