What are the risks associated with potential aspiration of barium during a videofluoroscopy?

[SALT1209]

Could anyone clarify the level of risk associated with videofluoroscopy (modified barium swallow) procedures?

I was under the impressoin that the risks were not significant due to the amounts aspirated and the fact that if a significant amount is aspirated, patients are normally suctioned. However, a colleague has refused to refer a learning disabled patient for videofluoroscopy on the grounds that they are 'prediposed to swallowing problems' and the level of risk associated with barium makes it an innapropriate referral.

My other query was whether Gastro-enterologists routinely treat swallowing problems as another response suggests? I was under the impression that Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorder) above the level of the oesophagus was normally treated by Speech & Lanaguauge Therapists.


This discussion is related to Barium aspiration..