Having a videofluoroscopy

A videofluoroscopy is a procedure to assess your swallowing. It uses video to record an X-ray examination of your swallowing in detail.

The study lets us see:

• how you are currently managing with chewing and swallowing
• whether food or drink gets stuck in your mouth or throat, or goes down the wrong way (aspiration)
• how well different strategies work to help you swallow
• what exercises may help your swallowing to improve with time

Preparing for the procedure

Your videofluoroscopy procedure takes place in the X-ray department at St Thomas' Hospital or Guy's Hospital. The speech and language therapy team gives you directions to the department.

The speech and language therapist leads the procedure. A radiographer (healthcare professional who specialises in medical imaging) helps. Other people who may be present are:

• a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions using imaging equipment)
• your community speech and language therapist, if you are having the procedure as an outpatient (not staying in hospital overnight)

Here are some tips for how to prepare for a videofluoroscopy:

Giving your permission (consent)

We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to have a videofluoroscopy, we will ask you to sign a consent form. This says that you understand what is involved and agree to have the procedure.

You can read more about our consent process.

During the procedure

A videofluoroscopy takes about 20 minutes. This is what happens during the procedure:

1. We ask you to sit or stand by the X-ray machine. One part of the machine may move around by your head and neck when you swallow to get the best view.
2. The speech and language therapist asks you to take small amounts of drink and food. There will be different tastes. The food or drink is mixed with the contrast (substance that shows on X-rays). The contrasts that we use for a videofluoroscopy procedure are called Omnipaque and barium.
3. The speech and language therapist and radiologist check how effectively and safely you can swallow.
4. We may ask you to try a different position or technique to make your swallow safer or more efficient. You should not feel any pain.
5. Each swallow is recorded. We can then review it later to help make your treatment plan.

After the procedure

After your procedure, the speech and language therapist explains the results and what happens next. Please tell us if you:

• want any more information
• have any concerns

The speech and language therapist writes a report. This is sent to your GP or put in your medical notes if you are in hospital. The speech and language therapist also talks to your medical team about the findings.

You can then go home or back to your ward and resume your usual activities.

The video recording

The speech and language therapy department keeps the video recording of the procedure. It may be used for teaching purposes but your name and any identifying details are removed.

Please tell us if you do not want this to happen. This will not affect your treatment in any way.