Video Swallow Study (VSS)
Your doctor has requested a procedure called a video swallowing exam. This exam is performed to evaluate frequent choking, coughing, recurrent pneumonia and problems swallowing, which may be associated with stroke or surgery. At the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center we have a team of imaging physicians, nurses and technologists led by Richard Sukov, MD, who specialize in gastrointestinal procedures, and who will be performing your exam and interpreting the results.
Before Your Procedure
No preparation is necessary for this exam.
As applicable, the speech therapist will take a brief clinical history prior to the exam.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
During Your Procedure
The technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have prior to your exam.
You will be asked to change into a gown.
Your exam will be performed with you sitting in a chair or standing on a platform that is attached to an x-ray table.
During your study you will be asked to drink small amounts of liquid (barium) and eat small pieces of bread. The liquid (barium) will be thin at the beginning of the study and will be made thicker as the study continues. The thickness of the liquid will test your ability to swallow food and liquids.
The imaging physician will watch the flow of food and liquid from your mouth to your stomach with a fluoroscope (an X-ray unit combined with a television screen) and will record the study on a videotape.
Your procedure will take approximately 60 minutes.
After Your Procedure
If applicable, the speech therapist will provide a brief review of the study's findings at the conclusion of your exam.
Drink plenty of liquid for 24 to 48 hours.
The barium may make your stool white for several days.
If you experience constipation, your physician may recommend a mild laxative.
Your study will be read by the imaging physician and results sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
To request copies of your pictures on a PC-compatible CD, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
