Videofluoroscopy swallow study

A videofluoroscopy is an x-ray examination of your swallowing.

About videofluoroscopy

Why have I been referred for a videofluoroscopy?

Indications for videofluoroscopy:

• ✔ To assess whether there is an impairment of swallowing and whether this is contributing to chest infections and/or poor nutrition.
• ✔ To investigate the cause of a swallowing problem.
• ✔ To provide education to you and your family on the swallowing problem.
• ✔ To determine the effectiveness of strategies and/or modified food or drink on your swallowing.
• ✔ To develop a swallow rehabilitation programme.

Videofluoroscopy is not suitable for patients who:

• ❌ are pregnant
• ❌ cannot sit in a chair for at least 30 minutes
• ❌ are not medically stable to participate in the procedure
• ❌feel they will not implement the advice recommended after the procedure

If you have concerns that videofluoroscopy is not a suitable procedure for you, please alert your speech and language therapist (SLT) before the procedure.

There are alternative examinations to investigate swallowing such as clinical swallow evaluation and FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing).

The benefits of one procedure over another varies from person to person. Please discuss with your SLT to understand why a videofluoroscopy has been chosen as the optimum procedure for you.

What happens during the videofluoroscopy?

You will sit in front of an x-ray machine.

We will ask you to swallow different textures of food and drink. Radiopaque contrast is mixed with the food and drink so that they become visible on x-ray.

You may be asked to carry out strategies or manoeuvres during the procedure. We want to examine if these make your swallow safer and more efficient.

We take a DVD recording of the test. This recording is used to analyse the study, for training and for research. Please discuss with your SLT on the day if you are have any concerns with this.

Who will be in the room?

Two SLTs and a radiographer will be in the room. We will occasionally ask for students to be present also with your consent for training purposes.

How long will it take?

The test lasts approximately 45 minutes.

What preparation is required before the test?

There is no specific preparation required.

• ✔ You can eat and drink as you would normally before the test unless told otherwise.
• ✔ If you have a feeding tube, you can use your tube as normal.
• ✔ Please bring special cups or cutlery if you use them.
• ✔ If you wear dentures when eating and drinking, please wear them.
• ✔ Please bring a sample of any food or drinks that you find challenging to swallow so they can be tested during the procedure.

Is the videofluoroscopy safe?

1. A low dose of radiation is used.

The SLT, radiographer and referring doctor will consider your radiation exposure if multiple or repeated investigations using x-ray are required.

Please discuss any concerns you may have with the SLT and radiographer before the procedure.

2. There is a risk of aspiration (some food or drink might ‘go down the wrong way’).

A water-soluble contrast is used in situations where a high risk is suspected to reduce the adverse effects of aspiration.

The presence of aspiration will be closely monitored by the SLT. You will be prompted to cough to clear any food or drink aspirated.

In rare situations where an adverse reaction occurs, medical support will be sought immediately.

3. The barium contrast may impact bowel movements after the procedure, such as diarrhoea or white stools, or result in nausea or cramping.

If this persists, please alert your GP or hospital doctor.

When will I get the results?

The SLT will give you the outcome immediately after the test. You will also receive advice on the safest food and drink to swallow.

A full report is sent to the referring clinician and your SLT. You are able to request a copy of the report.