Radiology
What is a videofluoroscopy assessment?
A videofluoroscopy is an x-ray examination which evaluates the swallowing process.
An x-ray video is recorded which shows you swallowing liquid and food.
The purpose of the videofluoroscopy is to examine the swallow process in more detail. It helps us to define the problem with the aim of advising more safe ways of eating and drinking. It also guides the therapist in planning any possible therapy exercises.
Where does the videofluoroscopy take place?
It is carried out in the x-ray department at The James Cook University Hospital. On arrival, please report to main x-ray reception.
Preparations
- There are no special preparations for this procedure.
- You do not need to fast.
- Please avoid wearing jewellery or tight fitting clothes around the neck.
- Ensure you wear dentures if you usually wear them to eat and drink.
- For some individuals, the therapist may ask you to bring along some items of food which they know you find easy or tricky.
What can I expect to happen?
Please register at the main x-ray reception when you arrive. You will be taken to the
x-ray waiting area and met by the Speech and Language Therapist.
In the x-ray room the Advanced Practitioner Radiographer, nursing and radiography staff will support you and will ask for your height and weight. Food and drink will be mixed with barium or an iodine solution. These are safe substances that are used to show up on the x-ray.
You will be asked to sit on the x-ray seat or you can stay in your own wheelchair if are unable to transfer safely. Unfortunately we are unable to perform the examination if you are in a bed or on a trolley.
As each type of food or liquid is being swallowed, a brief x-ray video is taken and recorded.
Who will be there?
You, your speech and language therapist, advanced practitioner radiographer, radiographer or nurse assistant. Occasionally, students do observe. If you have any objections to being observed by a student, please inform your speech and language therapist before the assessment.
How long will it take?
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes. Please ensure that you are in time for your appointment. If you attend early there is no guarantee that you will be seen before your appointment time.
If you are an in-patient, an x-ray porter will come to the ward to collect you in time for your appointment.
What will happen afterwards?
A formal report will be written by your speech and language therapist and the advanced practitioner radiographer. Your speech and language therapist will discuss the results with you afterwards but sometimes you may need another appointment to discuss the results and recommendations in more detail.
Is there anything I need to tell the staff?
For all patients between the ages of 12yrs and 55yrs who have ovaries, the x-ray department has a legal responsibility to ensure that this examination is performed within ten days of the first day of your menstrual period.
Please contact the x-ray department if you are pregnant or if this appointment is beyond the ten day requirement, and another appointment will be arranged for you.
If you have any special needs or disabilities, please contact the x-ray department on 01642 282639.
Other information
Cancellations
Please contact the speech and language therapy department giving at least 24 hours’ notice (where possible).
Other questions
Please contact your speech and language therapist directly if you have any questions regarding this assessment procedure. Available, Monday to Friday, 08:30am until 16:30pm
Telephone: 01642 854497, Email: [email protected]
Radiation dose and risk
X-rays use ionising radiation which can cause cell damage that may, after many years, turn cancerous. The risk of this happening is very small compared to the normal lifetime risk of developing cancer, which is 1 in 2. We are all exposed to background radiation every day.
The risk of long-term effects is considered when the healthcare team decides whether someone needs an x-ray examination and radiation doses are kept as low as possible. For this examination radiation dose levels are typically equivalent to around 6 to 12 months of background radiation. The associated risk is less than 1 in 10,000 – Very Low.
What about transport to the hospital?
Transport has not been arranged for this appointment. If an ambulance is required, please contact your GP at least 48 hours before the appointment date. All car parks are pay and display.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01642 282639, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]