Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults: Part 1 of a scoping review

Purpose: The main objective of this scoping review was to describe the characteristics found in the FEES protocols in adults with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, an extensive search was conducted in six databases: Wiley Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and LILACS. The search was carried out without restriction of study design, publication date, or language. Two blind independent raters were appointed to select, review, and extract all content according to a priori exclusion criteria. A third rater was also appointed to resolve the disagreement. Data extraction included study characteristics, professional expertise, and FEES performance details. Results: A total of 6,033 abstracts were screened, leading to the inclusion of 115 publications. Most studies were conducted in the United States, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and Italy. Speech-language pathologists and otorhinolaryngologists were the most frequently cited professionals performing FEES. Information about the FEES protocol and its performance varied. The description of food consistencies, initial consistency trials, use of dye, and volume was more frequently reported but lacked consensus. Conclusion: The FEES protocol applied to the adult population with oropharyngeal dysphagia does not have a uniform description and performance.