Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS)
Your child has been scheduled for a VFSS at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH). Below you will find answers to many of the questions that you may have regarding a VFSS at the LWDH.
Where do I go for the VFSS?
The VFSS study is performed in the Diagnostic Imaging (DI) dept. which is located on the LWDH main floor. Report to the main entrance and the staff will direct you to the DI Dept. The LWDH is located at 21 Sylvan Street West in Kenora. Maps / Directions - Lake of the Woods District Hospital
What time should we arrive?
Pleas report to the main entrance desk 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on site in the out-patient or the visitor parking lot. Fees apply and can be paid with credit or debit cards.
What is a VFSS?
A Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) is a video X-ray study of how food moves from the mouth towards the stomach or lungs. The study requires the use of barium sulphate in the food in order to see it on X-ray.
What is barium sulphate?
It’s a white substance that’s mixed with food and liquids so they can be seen better on x-ray. It comes in a powder or liquid form and has a chalky taste. Chocolate or fruit flavours can be added.
Is the barium sulphate safe?
Yes, the barium sulphate mixture is very safe. Reactions are rare and usually mild.
Bad reactions are rare and only happen in every 1 out of every 1 million people given barium sulphate. The reactions include:
- * swelling of the upper airway
- * low blood pressure
While the mixture is safe, aspiration pneumonia is a risk. The doctor will speak with you about this risk.
Why does my child need a VFSS?
The study is done to check for problems with swallowing that may cause trouble with breathing or eating.
If you have questions about why your child is having the study done, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Who does the test?
The study is done by a radiologist (a doctor that specializes in reading x-rays) and a hospital speech-language pathologist, and with members of the Firefly complex feeding and swallowing team present.
How long does the study take?
The study usually takes less than 5 to 30 minutes, but you’ll be here for about 1 hour. The rest of the time is to get your child and food ready and talk to you about the study afterwards.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes, as we would rather you feed the child. If you can’t be exposed to radiation (e.g., if you’re pregnant), we ask that another person familiar with feeding your child come with you. You can watch from behind a safe window and/or wear a lead shielding apron.
What do we need to do to get ready?
In order for the test to be as successful as possible, food and drink that are familiar and preferred by your child are best. So although food and drink and feeding utensils are available, we ask that you bring:
- * a liquid (formula, milk, or juice)
- * solids your child enjoys
- * solids your child finds harder to swallow
- * the utensils your child uses during feeding (nipples, bottles, cups, spoons, forks)
* the usual chair/equipment your child sits in to eat. There are different chairs available depending on your child’s size and needs.
Please discuss the options for seating and utensils with the Firefly complex feeding and swallowing team prior to the study.
Don’t give your child anything to eat or drink for at least 2 hours before the test. We want your child to be hungry so he or she will take food during the study. You can bring something to distract your child, such as a toy or iPad.
What happens during the study?
Your child will sit in an upright support chair, preferably the chair they typically eat in.
You will feed your child while the x-ray video is running so the team can see what’s happening with the food as it moves through the mouth and down to the stomach.
What happens after the study?
Your child won’t eat the whole meal during the study. He or she will be able to eat more right after the test.
Barium can sometimes cause constipation. Children who have regular bowel movements may not have a problem passing the barium. You may notice some white barium mixed with the stool. Giving your child extra fluids will help the barium pass more easily.
Depending on the results of the study, your child may need a special feeding plan. Please discuss with the Firefly complex feeding and swallowing team and your doctor.
When should I call my doctor?
Call your doctor if your child has:
- * stomach cramps
- * trouble having bowel movements
What else do I need to know?
Please arrange child care if you have other children—please don’t bring them with you.
Questions?
If you have questions re the study, please speak with the Firefly feeding and swallowing team. If you have questions re the study date and time, or need to cancel your appointment, please call the DI Department at 807 468 9861 (2201)
Dec 2024