Videofluoroscopy Examination – Adult

Your speech and language therapist has arranged for you to have a videofluoroscopy examination to help find out what is causing your difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).

This leaflet tells you about videofluoroscopy and will help you to understand what will happen during and after your examination.

What is videofluoroscopy?

A videofluoroscopy is an X-ray examination of your swallowing. It produces a moving image as you are eating and drinking. This allows the Speech and Language Therapist to see exactly what is happening as you swallow and identify any difficulties you may be having.

Images from your examination are recorded and used by your therapist to plan your treatment.

Where do I go for the examination?

You will be given or sent an appointment to attend the X-ray Department at your local hospital.

During your examination you may see…

• Consultant Radiologist (doctor who specialises in X-ray) or a Radiographer who has specialist skills in X-rays of swallowing.

• Radiographer (someone who is trained to take X-rays).

• Speech and language therapist.

• Nurse.

Do I need to prepare myself for my examination?

You can eat and drink as advised by your Speech and Language Therapist. You do not need to fast. Please take any medication as usual.

What will happen during my examination?

You will sit next to the X-ray camera (see photograph below). You will be asked to swallow small amounts of liquids and food of different textures and thicknesses, to which barium sulphate has been added.

Barium is a radio-opaque material. This makes food and drink show up on the X-ray. This lets us see where the food and drink is going after it has been swallowed.

You may be asked to try a different swallow strategy or head position to see if this helps your swallowing.

Videofluoroscopy is non-invasive which means no scopes or tubes are passed into your body. The examination should last 15-30 minutes.

When will I be told my results?

Your therapist will arrange a time to discuss the results of the examination.  The recording of your examination will be kept so it can be used to check any future changes in your swallowing. Your therapist will be happy to answer any questions you have.

What can I expect when I go home?

Most people have no problems at all after the examination.  However, barium can cause constipation. To reduce the chances of constipation you should have plenty of drinks after your examination. You should follow any advice given by your therapist.

Are there any risks or possible complications?

Yes. These can include:

• Aspiration.  This is where food or drink enters your airway instead of your stomach.  It is not a risk directly caused by your videofluoroscopy examination.  If it happens during your examination it is likely that it has been happening for some time when you have been eating or drinking.  The only difference is that a small amount of barium sulphate has been added to the liquid or food that you are asked to swallow for this examination.
  
  There is a risk of infection if food or drink enters your lungs.  Your examination is a carefully controlled procedure but sometimes a physiotherapist may be called to help you to cough and clear your lungs if you have aspirated.
  
• Barium Sulphate.  This is considered to be a harmless substance but can, on rare occasions, cause an allergic reaction, constipation, cramping or diarrhoea.¹ However, these are unlikely to happen with the small amount of barium used in this examination.

• Radiation.  The risks from X-rays are small with the dosages of radiation used in this examination.² The benefits of this examination in assessing your problem outweigh any small radiation risk.

• Allergies. Barium sulphate is considered to be a harmless substance. The product used in the clinic has some flavouring added. If you have any allergies, please notify your speech and language therapist prior to your appointment.

If you think you may be pregnant you must let the X-ray staff or your therapist know as soon as possible before your examination.

What if I do not want this examination?

If you choose not to have this examination, it will be more difficult for your therapist to find the cause of your problems and plan your treatment. Your general health may be affected.

If you are unable to attend this examination, please let either the

X-ray Department or Speech and Language Therapy Department know as soon as possible.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below.

University Hospital of North Tees

X-ray Department

Telephone: 01642 624842
Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm

Speech and Language Therapy Department

Telephone: 01429 522471 (messages can be left at any time)
Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
or via the website at www.nhs.uk

References

1. Barium sulfate Side Effects – Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/sfx/barium-sulfate-side-effects.html (accessed on 14^th May 2024)
2. Wright R, Boyd C, Workman A (1998) Radiation doses to patients during Pharyngeal Videofluoroscopy: Dysphagia volume 13, pages 113 – 115.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]