Videofluoroscopy
Videofluoroscopy is a procedure to investigate the cause of difficulty swallowing, carried out in the comfortable surroundings of The London Clinic, via an x-ray.
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What is it for?
Investigate the cause of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Diagnostic overview
Videofluoroscopy is a diagnostic test used to assess swallowing.
Our expert team use state-of-the-art equipment to carry out videofluoroscopy to investigate a wide range of symptoms while ensuring maximum comfort for our patients.
If you have are experiencing difficulty swallowing (known as dysphagia), or difficulties eating or drinking, your consultant may have recommended a videofluoroscopy to try and help identify the cause of your symptoms.
During a videofluoroscopy, you’ll be asked to eat and drink a variety of foods and drinks. As you swallow, an X-ray machine will take a series of continuous images.
The food and drinks will contain a small amount of a non-toxic substance called barium.
The barium acts as a contrast, which means it shows up clearly on the X-ray images. The X-ray images are displayed on a screen as a video. Consultants are then able to review the video and see in detail what happens as you swallow.
Videofluoroscopy is a quick and painless procedure.
At The London Clinic, videofluoroscopy is carried out in the welcoming environment of our out-patient clinic.
You’ll be able to go home the same day and we’ll ensure you get the results as quickly as possible.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The videofluoroscopy procedure usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
We recommend allowing an hour for your appointment. You can eat and drink as normal on the day of your appointment.
Videofluoroscopy is a safe procedure and is carried out often.
You may notice an unusual taste due to the barium used as contrast. The barium is safe for you to swallow and won’t cause you any harm. You may notice that your stools are white for a couple of days after videofluoroscopy. Some patients also have some constipation. These effects are due to the barium and should soon pass. Drinking plenty of fluids should help.
With any X-ray procedure, there’s a small amount of exposure to radiation. The dose is very low though so it is considered safe.
You shouldn’t have an X-ray if you’re pregnant.
We understand you want to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible. The initial results of your videofluoroscopy will usually be available the same day.
Your consultant may review the results of your videofluoroscopy with some of our other specialists in a multidisciplinary team meeting. If so, we’ll contact you to discuss those results in detail.
Having multiple experts from different specialties review your results ensures you get a complete diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Videofluoroscopy is also called a modified barium swallow.
A barium swallow or a barium meal is a slightly different procedure.
It is similar in that it involves taking a continuous series of X-ray images while you swallow food and drink with some barium added in as contrast. The difference is the area of your body that is examined. During a barium swallow or barium meal, your consultant may also look at your oesophagus, stomach and the first part of your small intestine.
In a videofluoroscopy, your throat is examined as you swallow.