What Is It?
Videofluoroscopy (Modified Barium Swallow Test-MBS) is a radiographic study of
swallowing recorded on videotape. A swallow study is useful in evaluating how food moves from the mouth to the esophagus.
A physician requests this study to evaluate specific swallowing problems.
A barium swallow or "upper GI series" is an x-ray test used to examine the upper
digestive tract (the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine). Because these internal organs are normally not visible on x-rays,
you will be asked to swallow a liquid that does show up on x-rays (barium).
The barium will temporarily coat the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and
intestine, allowing the outline of these organs to be visible on the x-ray pictures.
Swallowing can be viewed as it occurs, including the movement of the bolus (food that is formed into a ball
after chewing) from the pharynx to the esophagus, a phase that cannot be viewed at bedside.
Both radiology and speech therapy are involved in assessing the results of the study: identifying the location
of the difficulty, if aspiration is occurring and why it is occurring. They also make recommendations for further radiologic
studies, posture, food consistency and therapy techniques to eliminate aspiration and/or improve the efficiency of the swallow.
Typically, initial swallowing evaluations are ordered by a physician and conducted at bedside by a speech-language
pathologist (also referred to as speech therapist).
During the bedside evaluation, the speech therapist reviews the case history, including the diagnosis, respiratory
status and mental status.
The therapist examines the patient to determine the function and strength of the swallowing mechanism by having
the patient swallow their own saliva and then may introduce foods or liquids of various consistencies.
Based on the information secured, the speech therapist will determine whether a disorder is present, and will
make recommendations regarding oral intake and the consistency of foods.
A MBS is ordered when dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and aspiration are found during the bedside swallow
evaluation.
Periodic reevaluation, including videofluoroscopy, is important with all patients to determine if the swallowing
disorders are improving or deteriorating.
Why would I need this procedure?
These problems may include a sensation of
food sticking in the throat after eating, choking on liquids or solids, or food collecting in the mouth, sometimes resulting
in an inability to swallow. The 3-phase swallow study may be completed following surgery or illness. It is useful in providing
information on when to resume eating, the easiest and safest foods to eat, and in identifying treatment techniques that will
improve safety during eating.
This test may be repeated to evaluate progress and
to guide changes in treatment plans and food choices.
How do I prepare for the test?
You will be given instructions to stop eating and drinking on the night before
your test. This is important because food in your stomach or intestine could prevent the doctors from seeing a clear outline
of these structures when they are examining the x-rays.
Usually, it isn't a problem for you to take your regular pills, but you should
check this with your doctor. Make sure that your doctor and the x-ray technicians know if you could be pregnant.
If you have diabetes and take insulin, discuss this with your doctor before the
test
