SMC Spotlight:Flexible endoscopy services

Shoshone Medical Center is pleased to announce that we are now offering flexible endoscopy services through our Speech Therapy department. Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) will be a new service line provided by our Speech Therapist, Sean Curran, ST. 

Swallowing dysfunction is a common problem. Dysphagia, the medical term for difficulty with swallowing, can happen at any age, but it is more common in older adults. Common causes of swallowing dysfunction include: acid reflux (GERD), cancer and associated treatments, stroke, and neurological diseases such as Parkinsons. 

If your doctor refers you for an evaluation for a swallow study, or you end up in the hospital with swallowing issues, we can help understand your problem and how to address it using flexible endoscopy. 

FEES is a comprehensive assessment of swallowing, which includes 5 main components: 

1. Observation of the anatomy of swallowing 

2. Observation of the movement of food and liquid down the throat 

3. Observation of secretions 

4. Direct visual assessment of swallowing 

5. Real-time observation of responses to therapeutic interventions. 

FEES allows your speech therapist to diagnose, offer appropriate, real-time solutions, and determine the best treatment for you. FEES is performed while you are awake and alert, and there is no radiation involved. Sean will walk you through the process, step by step, keeping you informed about your condition and your care. 

SMC is proud to introduce this top-of-the-line care directly to the Silver Valley. Flexible endoscopy can be performed in your hospital bed during your stay, or as an outpatient service. Additionally, because the video images taken with this equipment are live, there is no wait time for results. Real-time imaging, paired with real-time care saves lives by preventing aspiration pneumonia and other illnesses. 

If you are having issues with swallowing, talk to your doctor about whether a swallow study at SMC could help. We are here for you, keeping care close to home.