An Evaluation of Usefulness of FEES Method using Full HD Video that Improves Diagnostic Value of VFSS

Deglutition inspection has been the gold standard for inspection of dysphagia using a penetration device of the division of radiology to date. However, inspection using an endoscope has facilitated diagnosis of dysphagia in recent days. In this study, we compared the results of VFSS alone with those of VFSS combined with FEES to determine if the detection rate of penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue increased. This study evaluated at 130 persons who underwent both VFSS and FEES from December 2013 through March 2014, and used VFSS (FELAVISION, SHIMADZU) and FESS (EVIU LUCERA CV-260SL, OLYMPUS) as devices. After preparing barium diluted solution, yogurt that diluted barium and rice that diluted barium in 2.5 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml by modifying Logemann's protocol in part, and having subjects take the solution, this study confirmed pharyngeal residue, penetration, aspiration etc. VFFS and FEES using full HD video revealed aspiration in 36 of the 130 patients in both inspections. Additionally, aspiration was discovered in 36 patients upon VFFS, but in 41 upon FESS. Although FEES was more sensitive at diagnosing dysphagia, the two inspection methods are complementary, so diagnostic value will be greatly improved when the endoscope operating method and accurate fluoroscopic inspection are combined.