Ultrasound vs. Nasofibroscopy for Evaluating Dysphagia After Extubation in the ICU

Inclusion Criteria: * Critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). * Patients aged 18 years or older. * Patients who have required orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation for a period exceeding 48 hours. * Patients successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation (post-extubation phase). * Obtainment of signed Informed Consent from the patient or their legal representative. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a known prior history of oropharyngeal dysphagia, esophageal disorders, or structural abnormalities of the upper airway. * Patients with pre-existing neurological diseases that compromise the swallowing reflex (e.g., advanced Parkinson's disease, previous stroke with residual dysphagia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). * Patients with a history of head and neck surgery or radiotherapy. * Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score \< 13 at the time of evaluation. * Patients with hemodynamic instability or severe respiratory distress that precludes the diagnostic procedures. * Anatomical limitations that prevent the correct placement of the ultrasound transducer or the introduction of the nasofibroscope (e.g., severe facial trauma, nasal obstruction). * Medical contraindication for Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).