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ISBN: 978-0-323-48109-0
Printed in China
Douglas G. Adler, MD, FACG, AGAF, João Guilherme Guerra de Andrade Brian C. Brauer, MD
FASGE Lima Cabral, MD Associate Professor of Medicine
Professor of Medicine Endoscopist University of Colorado School of Medicine
Director of Therapeutic Endoscopy Advanced Endoscopy Unit Aurora, Colorado
Director of GI Fellowship Program A.C. Camargo Cancer Center
Gastroenterology and Hepatology São Paulo, Brazil William R. Brugge, MD
University of Utah School of Medicine Professor of Medicine
Huntsman Cancer Center John Baillie, MD Harvard Medical School
Salt Lake City, Utah Professor of Medicine Director of Gastrointestinal Unit
Chief of Endoscopy Pancreas Biliary Center
Sushil K. Ahlawat, MD, FACP, FASGE, Virginia Commonwealth University School Massachusetts General Hospital
AGAF of Medicine Boston, Massachusetts
Associate Professor of Medicine Richmond, Virginia
Director of Endoscopy Jonathan M. Buscaglia, MD
Program Director, Gastroenterology and Rupa Banerjee, MD, DTM Associate Professor and Division Chief
Hepatology Fellowship Consultant Gastroenterologist Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Program Director, Advanced Endoscopy Asian Institute of Gastroenterology Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Fellowship Hyderabad, India Stony Brook, New York
Division of Gastroenterology and
Hepatology Todd H. Baron, MD, FASGE David L. Carr-Locke, MD, FRCP, FASGE,
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Professor of Medicine FACG
Newark, New Jersey Division of Gastroenterology and Clinical Director
Hepatology Center for Advanced Digestive Care
Jawad Ahmad, MD, FRCP, FAASLD University of North Carolina School of Division of Gastroenterology and
Professor of Medicine Medicine Hepatology
Division of Liver Diseases Chapel Hill, North Carolina Weill Cornell Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Cornell University
New York, New York Omer Basar, MD New York, New York
Gastrointestinal Unit
Firas H. Al-Kawas, MD Pancreas Biliary Center Prabhleen Chahal, MD
Professor of Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Physician
Division of Gastroenterology and Boston, Massachusetts Department of Gastroenterology and
Hepatology Professor of Medicine Hepatology
Johns Hopkins University Department of Gastroenterology Cleveland Clinic
Baltimore, Maryland Hacettepe University Medical School Cleveland, Ohio
Director of Johns Hopkins Endoscopy Ankara, Turkey
Program Sujievvan Chandran, MBBS, FRACP
Sibley Memorial Hospital Petros C. Benias, MD Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellow
Washington, District of Columbia Director of Endoscopic Surgery Gastroenterology
Division of Gastroenterology St. Michaels’s Hospital
Michelle A. Anderson, MD Northwell Health System Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Associate Professor of Medicine Hofstra Zucker School of Medicine
Taubman Center Manhasset, New York Yen-I Chen, MD
University of Michigan Assistant Professor of Medicine
Ann Arbor, Michigan Ivo Boškoski, MD, PhD Division of Gastroenterology and
Digestive Endoscopy Unit Hepatology
Everson Luiz de Almeida Artifon, MD, Cattolic University of Rome McGill University Health Center
PhD, FASGE Rome, Italy Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Coordinator of Pancreatic Biliary
Endoscopy Unit Michael J. Bourke, MBBS, FRACP Anthony J. Choi, MD
GI Endoscopy Service Clinical Professor of Medicine Resident Physician
Hospital de Clinicas of the University of Sao Director of Endoscopy Department of Medicine
Paulo Gastroenterology and Hepatology Weill Cornell Medicine
Associate Professor of Surgery Westmead Hospital Cornell University
University of Sao Paulo Sydney, Australia New York, New York
Sao Paulo, Brazil
vi
CONTRIBUTORS vii
Catherine D. Tobin, MD Sachin Wani, MD Andrew W. Yen, MD, MAS, FACG, FASGE
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Associate Professor of Medicine Associate Chief of Gastroenterology
Department of Anesthesia Division of Gastroenterology and Veterans Affairs Northern California Health
Medical University of South Carolina Hepatology Care System
Charleston, South Carolina University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Mather, California
Campus Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
Mark Topazian, MD Aurora, Colorado Division of Gastroenterology and
Professor of Medicine Hepatology
Department of Gastroenterology and John C.T. Wong, MD University of California Davis School of
Hepatology Clinical Professional Consultant Medicine
Mayo Clinic Institute of Digestive Disease Sacramento, California
Rochester, Minnesota The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Shatin, Hong Kong, China
F O R E WO R D
What a difference 10 years makes. Since the first edition of ERCP published therapy. Alternatively, we may use EUS to access the pancreaticobiliary
in 2008, it seems like there has been a cosmic shift in the practice of tree as part of a rendezvous procedure to improve the success rate of
gastrointestinal medicine and endoscopy. Diagnostic ERCP has given ERCP. The third edition of this text acknowledges the expanded role
way to continued improvements in computed tomography and magnetic that EUS has come to play in patients previously undergoing diagnostic
resonance imaging, as well as to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), which or therapeutic ERCP alone. Utilizing one procedure without access to
provides information not only about the diameter, contents, and contours the other is a disservice to our patients and encourages the overuse of
of the pancreaticobiliary ducts but also about the pancreatic and liver one of the (potentially) more dangerous therapeutic endoscopic proce-
parenchyma, contiguous organs, relevant vasculature, and lymph nodes. dures we perform.
Additionally, EUS has been shown to have improved sensitivity for the What a difference 10 years makes. Look for the new chapters, including
diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy compared with brushing or biopsy one on endoscope disinfection. This should not come as a surprise to
done at time of ERCP. Moreover, as technology and EUS experience anyone as both the lay press and medical literature have been awash in
have expanded, therapeutic procedures previously relegated to ERCP cases of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections, which can be traced
(or interventional radiology) are increasingly being done with an back to duodenoscopes contaminated with the same organism. What
echoendoscope: gallbladder and bile duct access for cholecystoduodenal, else is new in the third edition of ERCP? Almost everything: new images,
hepatobiliary, and choledochoduodenal stenting; endoscopic anastomosis updated videos, and multiple chapters that incorporate EUS and place
of obstructed afferent limbs; gastroenterostomy for bypass of malignant it into the perspective of modern ERCP practice. However, there is much
duodenal obstruction; PD imaging and duct decompression in difficult- that has not changed in the current edition of this text. Most notably
to-access anatomy; and imaging and treatment of pancreatic fluid we have retained the world’s premier clinicians and endoscopic researchers
collections, many of which were previously imaged and variably treated to share their ERCP experience, their wisdom, and their cautions to
with ERCP. The barbarians are at the gate! us all.
Or are they? ERCP with sphincterotomy and/or balloon dilation
remains the treatment of choice for choledocholithiasis and for many
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
cases of pancreatic stones. Moreover, it maintains primacy for the treat-
ment of benign pancreaticobiliary strictures and most malignancies The Editors thank our medical colleagues and support staff for their
causing obstructive jaundice. In contrast, therapeutic EUS has evolved outstanding contributions to our patients’ care and the authors of this
to allow access in complex postoperative anatomy, duodenal obstruction, textbook for their new or updated contributions.
or after failed ERCP. In fact, we are the barbarians who often employ
both echoendoscopes and duodenoscopes in the same patient under a Todd H. Baron, MD, FASGE
single anesthesia to stage a patient with malignant obstructive jaundice, Richard A. Kozarek, MD, FASGE
obtain a definitive tissue diagnosis, and render appropriate palliative David L. Carr-Locke, MD, FRCP, FASGE, FACG
xi
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CONTENTS
xiii
xiv CONTENTS
49. Tropical Parasitic Infestations, 464 54. Pancreatic Interventions in Acute Pancreatitis: Ascites,
D. Nageshwar Reddy, G. Venkat Rao, and Rupa Banerjee Fistulae, Leaks, and Other Disruptions, 506
50. Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis, 469 Michael Larsen and Richard A. Kozarek
Tae Jun Song, Dong Wan Seo, and Khean-Lee Goh 55. Chronic Pancreatitis: Stones and Strictures, 516
51. Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas, 480 Jacques Devière, Todd H. Baron, and Richard A. Kozarek
Omer Basar and William R. Brugge 56. Endoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts,
52. Unexplained Acute Pancreatitis and Acute Recurrent Abscesses, and Walled-Off (Organized) Necrosis, 525
Pancreatitis, 486 Ryan Law and Todd H. Baron
Ihab I. El Hajj and Stuart Sherman
53. Biliary Intervention in Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis, 499
Andrew Korman and David L. Carr-Locke
VIDEO CONTENTS
Chapter 8 Adverse Events of ERCP: Prediction, Prevention, and Chapter 23 Biliary Metal Stent Insertion
Management Video 23.1 Biliary Self-Expandable Stent Placement
Video 8.1 Postsphincterotomy Oozing Video 23.2 Biliary Self-Expandable Stent Placement
Video 8.2 Postampullectomy Bleeding: Hemoclip
Video 8.3 Guidewire Perforation of the Bile Duct Chapter 24 Pancreatobiliary Stent Retrieval
Video 8.4 Retroperitoneal Perforation Video 24.1 Endoscopic Technique for the Extraction of Pancreatic
Video 8.5 Retroperitoneal Perforation Stents: Snare and Forceps
Video 8.6 Retroperitoneal Sphincterotomy Perforation Video 24.2 Endoscopic Technique for the Extraction of
Pancreatic Stents: Direct Grasping With a Polypectomy
Chapter 14 Cannulation of the Major Papilla Snare
Video 14.1 Wire Lead Technique of Cannulation Video 24.3 Endoscopic Technique for the Extraction of Pancreatic
Video 14.2 Wire Lead Technique of Cannulation Stents: Lasso Technique
Video 14.3 Needle-Knife Sphincterotomy Video 24.4 Endoscopic Technique for the Extraction of Pancreatic
Video 14.4 Needle-Knife Sphincterotomy Stents: Dormia Basket Technique
Video 14.5 Needle-Knife Sphincterotomy Video 24.5 Endoscopic Technique for the Extraction of Pancreatic
Video 14.6 Pancreatic Cannulation Stents: Fragmentation and Direct Grasping
Chapter 18 Balloon Dilation of the Native and Postsphincterotomy Chapter 28 Endomicroscopy in the Pancreaticobiliary Tree
Papilla Video 28.1 Probe-Based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy of the Bile
Video 18.1 Balloon Dilation of the Major Papilla in Billroth II Duct Showing Dark Clumps, Epithelium, and Fluorescein
Gastrojejunostomy and Extraction of the Bile Duct Stone Leak, All Suggestive of Cancer
Video 18.2 Sphincterotomy and Balloon Dilation of the Major
Papilla Chapter 31 ERCP in Surgically Altered Anatomy
Video 18.3 Postsphincterotomy Large Balloon Dilation of the Major Video 31.1 Cholangiography in Patient With Roux-en-Y
Papilla and Extraction of a Huge (4.5- × 2.0-cm) Stone Hepaticojejunostomy
Video 18.4 Balloon Dilation of the Major Papilla and Extraction of
Multiple Bile Duct Stones Chapter 39 Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Distal
Video 39.1 Stenting in Pancreatic Cancer
Chapter 19 Stone Extraction
Video 19.1 Papillotomy and Basket Stone Extraction Chapter 44 Biliary Surgery Adverse Events, Including Liver
Video 19.2 Papillotomy- and Papillotome-Assisted Stone Extraction Transplantation
Followed by Basket Stone Extraction Video 44.1 Multistenting of a Postorthotopic Liver Transplantation
Video 19.3 Papillotomy, Balloon Sphincteroplasty, and Stone Anastomotic Biliary Stricture
Extraction With Balloon
Video 19.4 Impacted Ampullary Stone Chapter 46 Choledocholithiasis
Video 46.1 Second-Generation Peroral Cholangioscopy and
Chapter 20 Pancreatic Sphincterotomy Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy for Rescue of Impacted
Video 20.1 Pancreatic Sphincterotomy Biliary Stone Extraction Basket
Video 46.2 Efficacy and Safety of a Single-Operator Digital Peroral
Chapter 21 Minor Papilla Cannulation and Sphincterotomy Cholangioscopy–Guided Laser Lithotripsy of
Video 21.1 Minor Papilla Cannulation and Sphincterotomy Complicated Biliary Stones
xv
xvi VIDEO CONTENTS
Video 46.3 Novel Use of Spyglass Optical Fiber in Triple-Lumen Video 50.2 Direct Peroral Cholangioscopy Using an Ultraslim
Catheter for Percutaneous Choledochoscopy and Upper Endoscope Introduced Directly Into the Biliary
Holmium:YAG Laser Lithotripsy of Intrahepatic Bile Tree
Duct Stones Video 50.3 Direct Peroral Cholangioscopic Biopsy Using an
Ultraslim Upper Endoscope
Chapter 47 Pancreaticobiliary Pain and Suspected Sphincter of Video 50.4 Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy
Oddi Dysfunction Video 50.5 Ductal Changes Post–Stone Removal
Video 47.1 Biliary Cannulation Using a Manometry Catheter Video 50.6 Alterations in Ductal Mucosa Post–Stone Removal
Without Contrast Injection Freehand Without Biliary
Cannulation Chapter 51 Cystic Lesions of the Pancreas
Video 47.2 Biliary Injection of Contrast and Pancreatic Cannulation Video 51.1 Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Ethanol Ablation of
Using a Manometry Catheter Without Contrast Pancreatic Cyst
Video 47.3 Biliary Manometry and Sphincterotomy
Video 47.4 Placement of a 3-Fr Pigtail Pancreatic Duct Stent Chapter 54 Pancreatic Interventions in Acute Pancreatitis: Ascites,
Video 47.5 Placement of a 5-Fr Straight Pancreatic Duct Stent Fistulae, Leaks, and Other Disruptions
Video 47.6 Pancreatic and Biliary Sphincterotomy With Pancreatic Video 54.1 Transduodenal Pancreatic Duct Decompression
Duct Stent Placement for Sphincter of Oddi Video 54.2 Transpapillary Pseudocyst Drainage and Disconnected
Dysfunction Pancreatic Duct Decompression in Pancreatic Pleural
Video 47.7 Pancreatic and Biliary Sphincterotomy With Pancreatic Effusion
Duct Stent Placement for Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Video 54.3 Internal Fistula/Duodenal Abscess Treated With
Video 47.8 Biliary Sphincterotomy for Sphincter of Oddi Pancreatic Duct Stone Retrieval/Stent Placement/
Dysfunction Effusion
Video 47.9 Use of Dilute Methylene Blue to Identify the Pancreatic
Orifice After Biliary Sphincterotomy for Sphincter of Chapter 55 Chronic Pancreatitis: Stones and Strictures
Oddi Dysfunction Video 55.1 Postextracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Pancreatic
Stone Extraction
Chapter 48 Sclerosing Cholangitis
Video 48.1 Endoscopic Treatment of Dominant Primary Sclerosing Chapter 56 Endoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts,
Cholangitis Stricture Abscesses, and Walled-Off (Organized) Necrosis
Video 56.1 Endoscopic Gastric Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocyst
Chapter 49 Tropical Parasitic Infestations Video 56.2 Endoscopic Transduodenal Drainage of Pancreatic
Video 49.1 Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy to Facilitate Necrosis
Extraction of Hydatid Cysts and Worms Video 56.3 Endoscopic Transduodenal Debridement of Pancreatic
Video 49.2 Use of Balloon Catheter Following Biliary Necrosis
Sphincterotomy Video 56.4 Endoscopic Transduodenal Debridement of Pancreatic
Necrosis
Chapter 50 Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis Video 56.5 Use of Partially Covered and Fully Covered Self-
Video 50.1 The Hallmark of Recurrent Pyogenic Cholangitis: The Expandable Stents to Establish Percutaneous Access for
Presence of Stones and Strictures, Which Can Be Both Endoscopic Necrosectomy
Intrahepatic and Extrahepatic in Location Video 56.6 Transgastric Drainage of Pancreatic Necrosis
SECTION I General Topics
1
Approaching 50 Years: The History of ERCP
Lee McHenry and Glen Lehman
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been a duodenoscope (Eder Instrument Company, Chicago, IL), which had
remarkable technological advance that has evolved over its nearly 50 both a forward and side lens and an endotracheal-type cuff placed on
years in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy and has redefined the the scope just beyond the lens. The balloon was inflated and deflated to
medical and surgical approach to patients with pancreatic and biliary enable adequate focal length for mucosal visualization. McCune taped
tract diseases. Since its inception in 1968, the medical community has a small-diameter plastic tube that served as a tract to the endoscope
witnessed significant achievements by the pioneers in endoscopy who that could house a bendable cannula. The cannula was advanced to
incrementally advanced ERCP techniques from their infancy to maturity. the major duodenal papilla under endoscopic guidance. In his report
The infancy focused on diagnoses, the adolescence on therapies of of 50 patients, McCune’s duodenal intubation success rate was only
common biliary tract diseases such as bile duct stones and malignant 50%, with only 25% pancreatic duct opacification. As stated in his
strictures, the early adulthood on therapy for diseases of the pancreas discussion: “Anyone who looks through one of these instruments has
and prevention of pancreatitis, and now the mature adulthood focuses to have 2 personality characteristics. First, he has to be honest, and
on continued refinement of techniques to make ERCP safer and more second, must have an undying, blind, day and night, uncompromising
effective. The pioneers in the ERCP field are numerous and have played persistence.” ERCP was now born, and it slowly grew to an established
significant roles in developing new techniques and novel instrumentation, technique as a result of the honesty and persistence of the pioneers of
spearheaded innovative techniques to reduce adverse events, and endoscopy.
effectively trained future generations of endoscopists to safely perform In March 1969 in Japan, Oi (Fig. 1.1) and colleagues—in close
ERCP. We are now approaching a 50-year milestone, and as we look collaboration with Machida (Machida Endoscope, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan)
back, we can recall a journey in ERCP that has been enjoyable, exciting, and Olympus corporations (Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan)—
and replete with enthusiastic innovation, and in the end has benefitted developed a side-viewing fiberoptic duodenoscope with a channel and
many patients (Box 1.1). It would encompass an entire book to incor- an elevator lever to enable manipulation of the cannula. Initially, Oi
porate all of the important contributions made by the many ERCP visualized the ampulla in about half of 105 cases.4 In a subsequent report,
endoscopists over the past 50 years. We apologize in advance to individuals Oi cannulated the papilla in 41 of 53 patients (77%) without significant
who have advanced the field and are not mentioned in this brief summary morbidity.5 By 1972, Jack Vennes and Steven Silvis of the University of
of the history of ERCP. Minnesota published the experience in their first 80 attempts at cannula-
tion of the bile and pancreatic ducts, paving the way for acceptability
in the American endoscopic wilderness6 (Table 1.1).7,8 Over the next
ERCP IN ITS INFANCY: 1968 TO 1980 5 years, pioneers such as Safrany, Cotton, Geenen, Siegel, Classen, and
In the 1920s, bile duct imaging was performed by surgeons Evarts Demling and the Japanese groups embraced this new technique and
Graham and Warren Cole with the use of intravenously administered reported on the successes (cannulation rates of >90%) (Fig. 1.2), the
iodinated phenolphthalein that was selectively excreted into the bile shortcomings (e.g., post-ERPC pancreatitis [PEP]), the nuances (variety
and recorded radiographically. Oral cholecystography and percutaneous of cannula types, cannulation angles), and the practical application of
skinny “Chiba” needle cholangiography were additionally developed to ERCP in our understanding of biliary and pancreatic disorders.9–15 But
improve the visualization of the bile duct.1,2 What defied the clinician what could we as endoscopists do with this new-found knowledge?
was a nonoperative technique to image the pancreatic duct. In 1965 Simultaneously in 1973, in separate regions on the globe, ERCP
two innovative radiologists, Rabinov and Simon,3 fashioned a bendable investigators conceived the concept of a therapeutic application of ERCP.
catheter that was inserted through a per oral basket catheter. The medial The sphincter of the intact papilla served as a barrier to reflux of duodenal
duodenal wall was “blindly scratched” with the tip of the catheter and the contents into the bile and pancreatic duct and was an impediment to
first pancreatogram was successfully obtained nonoperatively. In eight removal of stones from the bile duct. Independently, Demling and
attempts, an interpretable pancreatogram was obtained in two patients. Classen in Erlangen, Germany, and Kawai in Kyoto, Japan, developed
The gastrointestinal endoscopist now entered the arena. In 1968 William similar techniques to split the sphincter. Demling and Classen developed
McCune and his surgical colleagues at George Washington University a high-frequency diathermy snare, the Demling-Classen probe consisting
were credited with the first report of endoscopic cannulation of the of a Teflon catheter with a thin steel wire that could be protruded to
ampulla of Vater in living patients.4 McCune used an Eder fiberoptic create a “bowstring” that would sever the papillary muscle (Fig. 1.3).15–17
1
2 SECTION I General Topics
Canine experiments ensued and demonstrated that a papillotomy could therapeutic application during ERCP, with incumbent well-chronicled
be performed safely without bleeding or perforation. An added benefit risks, was gradually adopted by endoscopists around the world. Bile
of the Demling-Classen probe was that contrast dye could be instilled duct stones were accurately diagnosed at the time of cholangiography,
while the catheter was in place. In Japan, Kawai developed a papillotomy biliary sphincterotomy was performed, and the stones were left in the
device consisting of two separate 2-mm-long diathermy knives that bile duct to pass on their own. This clinical problem needed a solution,
protruded from the catheter tip and could be used to incise the papillary and as is true with the many endoscopic techniques, the fundamental
sphincter, similar to the present-day needle knife technique.15 This device elements for major endoscopic technological advances were borrowed
was particularly useful in patients with impacted stones at the papilla. heavily from other fields (i.e., urology: basket, stent, and balloon technol-
The Erlangen probe, because of a perceived reduction in the risk of ogy; radiology: catheter and guidewire technology; cardiology: catheters
perforation, was more accepted in the West, and sphincterotomy as a and metallic stents). To solve the clinical problem of removing stones
technique was born. The initial concern of postsphincterotomy scarring from the bile duct, in 1975 Zimmon and colleagues18 in New York
was postulated, but the incidence was found to be infrequent. The first reported removal of bile duct stones with balloon-tipped catheters, a
CHAPTER 1 Approaching 50 Years: The History of ERCP 3
technique that further expanded the endoscopist’s therapeutic arma- The 1970s were an exciting time for ERCP, but many physicians
mentarium. Long, flexible balloon-tipped catheters, basket catheters, (gastroenterologists and surgeons) were appropriately concerned about
stone-grasping forceps, and endoscopic laser or ultrasound stone dis- the dangers of the procedure, particularly PEP, bleeding, and biliary
integrators were miniaturized to fit through the endoscope working sepsis. In 1976, Bilbao and colleagues19 surveyed 402 U.S. owners of
channel, and removal of bile duct stones no longer required surgical side-viewing duodenoscopes who had collectively performed 10,435
laparotomy and open choledochotomy. ERCPs. The procedure failed in 30%, adverse events occurred in 3%,
and death occurred in 0.2%. Pancreatitis was associated with injection
into the pancreatic duct and sepsis with injection into an obstructed
bile duct. Inexperience led to a fourfold increase in failures (62%) and
twice the rate of adverse events (7%). ERCP was the riskiest procedure
for the endoscopist, yet was gradually embraced, and the physicians
who had the willingness and ability to perform ERCP forged ahead. In
looking back in ERCP history over the past 5 decades, the gastroenterology
community was aware of the high incidence and potentially severe
adverse events associated with ERCP; however, the absolute requirement
of advanced training and expertise before subjecting patients to this
potentially lethal procedure was understated, minimized, and inadequately
addressed. These should serve as reminders and lessons for the future
as new endoscopic procedures are introduced.
Malignant bile duct obstruction posed a problem to the ERCP
physician in the 1970s. Endoscopic cannulation of the bile duct intro-
duced bacteria-laden contrast dye into an obstructed biliary tree, and
endoscopic sphincterotomy alone would not provide adequate biliary
drainage except in the most distal bile duct or ampullary cancers.
Percutaneous transhepatic methods for biliary drainage were commonly
employed preoperatively in patients with deep jaundice or for palliation,
and the first report of a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography
(PTC)-guided internal bile duct prosthesis was reported by Burcharth
et al. in 1979.20 In 1980, the ERCP groups in England (Laurence and
FIG 1.1 One year after Dr. William McCune successfully performed Cotton21) and Germany (Soehendra and Reynders-Frederix22) reported
the first ERCP at George Washington University, in Japan Dr. Itaru Oi, the early cases of internal decompression of malignant biliary obstruction
with his chief, Dr. Takemoto, performed endoscopic cholangiopancrea- by ERCP-directed biliary endoprosthesis placement (Fig. 1.4). The initial
togram (ECPG), as it was called, with a Machida scope in 1969.5 The
methods relied on “borrowed” technology and reported the uses of a
method used was almost the same as Dr. McCune’s method of using
a prolonged gastrofiberscope. In close collaboration with the Machida
7-Fr nasobiliary drain fashioned from an angiographic catheter and a
and Olympus corporations, Oi developed a side-viewing fiberoptic “pigtail” stent cut from a 7-Fr Teflon catheter. Over the next 30 years,
duodenoscope with a channel and an elevator lever to enable manipulation with the aid of industry and ingenuity, biliary endoprosthesis design
of the cannula. (Photo courtesy Dr. Peter Cotton, Medical University of continued to advance from the back table of the craftsman/endoscopist
South Carolina.) to the precision engineering of multisized polyethylene stents and
FIG 1.2 In the early days: First ERCP by Dr. Ogoshi at the Niigata Cancer Center Hospital, Japan, in 1970.
Radiographs showing complete pancreatography (left) and the distal bile duct (right). Note the long scope
position to obtain pancreatography. (Photo courtesy Dr. Peter Cotton, Medical University of South Carolina.)
4 SECTION I General Topics
FIG 1.3 The endoscopic and fluoroscopic images from the first sphincterotomy performed by Drs. Nakajima
and Kawai in Kyoto, Japan, in 1974. Clockwise from left: The fluoroscopic images on the left show the distal
bile duct calculus (arrow) with upstream filling of the bile duct. The catheter was used for cannulation and
sphincterotomy. On the right, the cholangiogram and pancreatogram revealing bile duct clear of filling defect.
In the bottom middle is the limited field of view of the duodenal papilla on the left and the papilla after
sphincterotomy on the right. (Photo courtesy Dr. Peter Cotton, Medical University of South Carolina.)
self-expandable metallic stents. Effective palliation of malignant biliary others forged tight, long-lasting relationships with the pioneers in ERCP,
obstruction was wrestled from the surgeon and radiologist, and planted which accelerated innovation in the field (Fig. 1.5). Both ERCP endos-
for good into the endoscopist’s hands. copists and patients benefited from increased cannulation rates, improved
sphincterotomies, and reliable prostheses. The domain of bile duct stones
and palliation of malignancies shifted from surgeons to endoscopists.
THE SECOND DECADE: 1980 TO 1990 One of the recurring themes in endoscopic advances is the importance
Over the next 10 years from 1980 to 1990, medicine witnessed an explosion of close collaboration of engineers and clinicians to attempt to solve
in the number of ERCPs performed throughout the world. However, clinical problems.
this explosion did not occur in a vacuum and was fueled by burgeoning Fiberoptic endoscopy was the platform for the ERCP gastroenterolo-
technology in other medical disciplines such as radiology, anesthesia, gist in the 1970s and posed a challenge for performance of and training
pathology, and surgery. In 1979, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded and reporting in ERCP. Documenting endoscopic findings was limited
jointly to Godfrey N. Hounsfield (U.K.) and Allan McLeod Cormack in quality, as the camera head attachment was bulky and, when affixed,
(Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA) for independently inventing precluded real-time visualization of the endoscopy image. To share the
the computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner. Assessment of the endoscopy experience, a teaching head apparatus would connect to the
patient with pancreatobiliary disease was transformed from physical endoscope to allow a second observer (an ERCP trainee or procedural
examination, ultrasound, and plain radiographs, and their inherent nurse) to visualize the endoscopic image. The major drawbacks were
limitations to precise computed tomography (CT) characterization and halving of the light transmitted through the fibers to the eyepiece,
localization of the problem at hand. Improved perioperative manage- allowing only one observer on the teaching head, and limiting the nurse
ment and anesthesia care made the ERCP procedure more acceptable to to the use of only one hand to perform important functions such as
patients. Pathologic interpretation of endoscopic biopsies and cytologic wire advancement while holding the teaching head with the other hand.
assessment of brushings continued to improve, with increased number The first videoendoscope had a small television camera in the tip of
of specimens and physician experience allowing tissue diagnosis to the endoscope (charge-coupled device [CCD]) and was connected to
be made nonoperatively. The surgeon’s role evolved from exploration a computer capable of transforming electronic signals into a recognizable
for diagnosis with its inherent morbidity and mortality to a more image. Sivak and Fleischer23 in the United States and Classen and Phillip24
focused therapeutic operation that would lead to improved patient in Germany reported on their first experiences in 1984. Videoendoscopy
outcomes. had transformed the ERCP experience for the performing physician,
Industry played a major role in the close collaboration with endos- the trainees, and the ERCP nurses to a more dynamic, less solitary
copists in designing improved versions of ERCP accessories, including experience and launched ERCP training to a new level.
cannulas, sphincterotomes, and endoscopic stents, which led to improved
therapeutics and improved patient outcomes. Companies such as
Wilson-Cook (now Cook Endoscopy, Winston-Salem, NC), Olympus
THE THIRD DECADE: 1990 TO 2000
(Center Valley, PA, and Tokyo, Japan), Bard (now ConMed, Utica, NY), In the decade of 1990 to 2000, several breakthrough technologies in
and Microvasive (now Boston-Scientific, Marlborough, MA) and many radiology, endoscopy, and surgery were introduced that would impact
CHAPTER 1 Approaching 50 Years: The History of ERCP 5
1658 are eagerly awaited and should soon become a practical reality. However,
1500 optimal view, steerability, and durability remain as challenges. Hands-free
1153 manipulation of endoscopes, similar to robotic-assisted surgery, is
1000 anticipated with the advantages of reduced endoscopist fatigue, improved
550 ability to train endoscopists, and more refined movement of accessories.
500 Pancreaticobiliary tumor diagnosis and tissue sampling will undoubtedly
150
0
improve with advances in intraductal endoscopy. Endoscopic pancreatic
cancer screening of high-risk groups may become a reality. Pancreatitis
1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2008 2010
management may benefit from a more defined endoscopic role. Dis-
FIG 1.6 ERCP case volume over 25 years at the Indiana University
solution of intraductal pancreatic stones may be possible with the aid
Division of Gastroenterology.
of endoscopically placed catheters. Studies of pancreatic juice may
provide predictors of recurrent pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer risk, and
response to chemotherapy. Continued effort is needed to make ERCP
safer and more effective. Advanced training programs must continue
A “shift” of high-risk, complicated ERCP procedures to referral to ensure that ERCP endoscopists are adequately trained and skilled in
centers is reflected in the growing number of ERCPs performed at our the performance of this procedure.
institution over the past 15 years (Fig. 1.6). Hands-on training opportuni-
ties for practicing gastroenterologists to improve ERCP skills are scarce, The complete reference list for this chapter can be found online at
and real-life simulators for ERCP are still not available. www.expertconsult.com.
KEY POINTS
• In the early years of ERCP in the 1970s, pioneers such as McCune, introduction of videoendoscopy. Minimum qualifications for ERCP
Oi, Classen, Kawai, Cotton, Vennes, Silvis, Geenen and others competency were poorly defined.
established a new technology. • In the new millennium, ERCP endoscopists have emphasized scientific
• Close collaboration was vital between the endoscopist and industry rigor with several prospective, outcome-based studies. Newer
to design new instrumentation, leading to higher cannulation rates, techniques such as prophylactic pancreatic stent placement were
improved sphincterotomy, more effective drainage techniques, and adopted to make ERCP safer in high-risk patients.
improved outcomes.
• The early adopters of ERCP were self-taught, and subsequent trainees
were schooled using the apprentice model. Training accelerated with
CHAPTER 1 Approaching 50 Years: The History of ERCP 6.e1
The ERCP room can range from very basic to state-of-the-art. Whereas STAFFING FOR THE ERCP PROCEDURE
smaller institutions with low ERCP volumes often perform ERCP in
the radiology department or operating room, most centers with a larger Staffing for ERCP procedures varies across the world. Typically, a
ERCP volumes perform ERCP in dedicated rooms within the endoscopy physician and a minimum of two additional assistants are necessary.
unit. The basic ERCP room requires a quality fluoroscopy unit with The first assistant (nurse or technician) stands immediately adjacent
still-image capability in addition to standard endoscopic equipment. to the physician and operates devices such as guidewires and accessories.
Major innovations in the field of interventional endoscopy have led to A sedation nurse or member of the anesthesia staff is positioned at the
the development of multipurpose interventional rooms with the ability patient’s head and administers sedation or anesthesia while monitoring
to combine endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), cholangioscopy, pan- the patient throughout the procedure. Often, a second assistant (nurse
creatoscopy, confocal endomicroscopy, and other interventions in or technician) assists in preparing devices for use and documents specifics
combination with ERCP. A well-designed ERCP room is needed to of the procedure. In some settings a radiology technician is also needed
accommodate this expansion in the procedural intensity of ERCP. In to operate the radiographic equipment. In many centers, a trainee is
addition, changes in the patient population have led to the necessity often present. This creates a close working environment for the procedure
to be able to perform ERCP on morbidly obese patients and those with with at least three individuals clustered around the patient’s head. A
altered anatomy using deep enteroscopy instruments. Many centers well-designed workspace makes this proximity tolerable and efficient.
have moved to have anesthesia support for all ERCPs. The cumulative
effect of these changes in the practice of ERCP has led to significant
changes in the design of the typical ERCP room with the incorporation
ROOM LAYOUT
of new technology to benefit the patient, physician, and staff. The key to successful room design is early collaboration with all the
disciplines that will be involved in performance and delivery of ERCP
so that the room is functional and beneficial to all parties. Collaborative
EVOLUTION OF THE ERCP ROOM input from ERCP physicians, the endoscopy nursing team and technicians,
The basic intent of ERCP has not changed. Endoscopic visualization anesthesia team, patient advocates, radiologists and technicians, radiation
of the ampulla and cannulation of the desired ductal system with safety technicians, the ergonomics consultant, and the construction or
high-quality radiographic imaging guiding the appropriate therapy is design team can result in major design evolution to allow the final
still the goal. In the great majority of cases the basic equipment is all design to be optimized for the work group. The layout of a typical
that is needed to remove a stone or place a stent across uncomplicated tertiary-level ERCP room is depicted in Fig. 2.2. The ERCP room can
strictures. What has changed is the potential complexity of ERCP, be divided into multiple work areas. The epicenter of the ERCP room
especially at tertiary referral centers. The need for high-quality radio- is the fluoroscopy table. The physician stands adjacent to the patient’s
graphic imaging of focal pathology in larger patients has led to modified head while performing ERCP. In this room design the physician also
digital fluoroscopy equipment with improved resolution, reduced has direct access to the radiographic equipment controls that allow
radiation exposure, and the ability to function continuously for long movement of the fixed C-arm or table to obtain the optimum radio-
procedures without overheating. In addition, wider tables (>30 inches) graphic imaging. The first assistant’s workspace is immediately to the
capable of accommodating larger, heavier patients (≥450 lbs.) and space right of the physician. Space for a trainee is preferably located immediately
for anesthesia to assist in these procedures have become essential. to the physician’s left side. Adjacent to the first assistant’s work space
Additional room space is also needed to accommodate larger beds and is a preparation area for a second assistant with a countertop or movable
stretchers to allow for bariatric patients (Fig. 2.1). The use of a mobile table to prepare devices. This space should be immediately adjacent to
or fixed C-arm system is often employed to improve visualization of the in-room storage of the most often used devices. Directly above the
the biliary tree by allowing the plane of examination to be altered to patient’s head is space for the sedation nurse or anesthesia team member.
profile the bifurcation and selected ductal systems. Additional space This space also includes room for all necessary medications, monitoring
for supplemental equipment for cholangioscopy, EUS, laser lithotripsy, equipment, and resuscitative equipment. When using anesthesia, often
electrohydraulic lithotripsy, deep enteroscopy, and other adjuvant there are two carts: the anesthesia machine at the patient’s head, and
techniques has increased the size of the typical advanced ERCP room. a secondary cart for medication and equipment storage, which must
Space for anesthesia equipment has further increased the need for be within easy reach of the anesthesia provider. An optimal room design
additional space at the patient’s head. All this, in combination with the will allow ample space for these pieces of equipment, and easy access
need to accommodate morbidly obese patients and store a large variety to all spaces during the procedure. Ideally, adequate additional space
of devices in close proximity to the patient, has increased the size of for radiograph review and report generation should be available. This
well-designed, advanced interventional endoscopy rooms to greater than space may be behind a protective lead glass screen or in another space
500 square feet. altogether. In some configurations, a separate control room space for
7
8 SECTION I General Topics
FIG 2.1 Large-capacity room door and extra space around the radiography FIG 2.3 The endoscopic equipment boom allows easy access to the
table allow for transfer of large patients. There is easy access to the endoscope processor, the light source, and other key equipment, including
back of the table to facilitate movement of sedated patient after the the electrosurgical generator, CO2 insufflator, and water irrigator. The
procedure. boom keeps wires and electrical cords organized and off the floor.
Monitor panel
Anesthesia
machine
C-arm
Pre/post physician workspace
Anesthesia
Patient Anesthesia/sedation
cart
nurse workspace
First
Physician assistant
workspace workspace
A B
FIG 2.5 (A) Portal to cleaning and cold sterilization area. (B) Trays are then covered, and following scope
use, these trays are used to immediately transfer contaminated equipment back to the reprocessing area.
also dedicated ERCP systems and portable digital C-arm systems. A addition, the radiation generation and cooling properties of fixed units
review of the principles of radiographic imaging and different imaging allow for prolonged procedure times without overheating or image
systems is found in Chapter 3. The transition to digital imaging systems degradation. Investment in a fixed fluoroscopy room also allows the
in the last decade has greatly simplified image processing and storage room design to include dedicated shielding and radiation protection for
while essentially eliminating the need for in-room radiologic support. the staff. The addition of a radiation-attenuating drape around the image
The selection of a radiologic system is dependent on many factors, detector has been shown to significantly decrease the radiation dose to
including case volume, type, and patient mix. For low-volume, relatively staff during ERCP.2 The use of ceiling-mounted and table-mounted
simple ERCP cases, many available systems are adequate. For high-volume, shielding can greatly reduce radiation scatter and staff exposure (Fig.
complex case work (American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2.6a). Portable shields on wheels may also be integrated to provide
[ASGE] grade of difficulty type 2 or 3 cases),1 a high-end dedicated fixed additional shielding (Fig. 2.6b). Building codes and hospital safety mandates
C-arm is often best. High-end fixed rooms have sufficient power and may also require shielding of the walls and doors of the suite.
imaging systems to optimally image obese patients and complex strictures
and allow visualization of devices and guidewires in situations where
mobile units are inadequate. In addition, pulse rates may be adjusted
ROOM INTEGRATION SYSTEMS
for more rapid image acquisition during difficult maneuvers while still Video integration systems have evolved to give the operator control
avoiding continuous fluoroscopy. Digital flat panel detectors provide over the numerous video inputs used in a state-of-the-art interventional
improved image quality, have durability over traditional analog image room. Several manufacturers sell integrated units that can be customized
intensifiers, and allow magnification of the image without increasing for a specific room or unit layout. In a well-designed integration system,
radiation dose. They are available on most fixed fluoroscopy systems video inputs from multiple sources can be placed on the main imaging
and many portable C-arm platforms, but at a substantially increased display in the room (Fig. 2.7). The typical integration system has multiple
cost. A list of available fluoroscopy units is provided in Table 2.1. In inputs for EUS, choledochoscopy, or any other video signal to be placed
10 SECTION I General Topics
A B
FIG 2.6 (A) Ceiling-mounted lead shielding that can be positioned to shield those close to the radiation
source. (B) Rolling shield on wheels that can be used in units without ceiling-mounted shielding.
T
here are flags on all the flagpoles up
Fifth Avenue. In the shrill wind of history
the great flags flap and tug at their
lashings on the creaking goldknobbed poles
up Fifth Avenue. The stars jiggle sedately
against the slate sky, the red and white
stripes writhe against the clouds.
In the gale of brassbands and trampling
horses and rumbling clatter of cannon,
shadows like the shadows of claws grasp at
the taut flags, the flags are hungry tongues
licking twisting curling.
Oh it’s a long way to Tipperary ... Over there! Over there!
The harbor is packed with zebrastriped
skunkstriped piebald steamboats, the
Narrows are choked with bullion, they’re
piling gold sovereigns up to the ceilings in
the Subtreasury. Dollars whine on the radio,
all the cables tap out dollars.
There’s a long long trail awinding ... Over there! Over there!
In the subway their eyes pop as they spell
out Apocalypse, typhus, cholera, shrapnel,
insurrection, death in fire, death in water,
death in hunger, death in mud.
Oh it’s a long way to Madymosell from
Armenteers, over there! The Yanks are
coming, the Yanks are coming. Down Fifth
Avenue the bands blare for the Liberty Loan
drive, for the Red Cross drive. Hospital ships
sneak up the harbor and unload furtively at
night in old docks in Jersey. Up Fifth Avenue
the flags of the seventeen nations are flaring
curling in the shrill hungry wind.
O the oak and the ash and the weeping willow tree
And green grows the grass in God’s country.
The great flags flap and tug at their
lashings on the creaking goldknobbed poles
up Fifth Avenue.
C
aptain James Merivale D.S.C. lay with his eyes closed while
the barber’s padded fingers gently stroked his chin. The lather
tickled his nostrils; he could smell bay rum, hear the drone of an
electric vibrator, the snipping of scissors.
“A little face massage sir, get rid of a few of those blackheads sir,”
burred the barber in his ear. The barber was bald and had a round
blue chin.
“All right,” drawled Merivale, “go as far as you like. This is the first
decent shave I’ve had since war was declared.”
“Just in from overseas, Captain?”
“Yare ... been making the world safe for democracy.”
The barber smothered his words under a hot towel. “A little lilac
water Captain?”
“No dont put any of your damn lotions on me, just a little
witchhazel or something antiseptic.”
The blond manicure girl had faintly beaded lashes; she looked up
at him bewitchingly, her rosebud lips parted. “I guess you’ve just
landed Captain.... My you’ve got a good tan.” He gave up his hand to
her on the little white table. “It’s a long time Captain since anybody
took care of these hands.”
“How can you tell?”
“Look how the cuticle’s grown.”
“We were too busy for anything like that. I’m a free man since
eight o’clock that’s all.”
“Oh it must have been terr ... ible.”
“Oh it was a great little war while it lasted.”
“I’ll say it was ... And now you’re all through Captain?”
“Of course I keep my commission in the reserve corps.”
She gave his hand a last playful tap and he got to his feet.
He put tips into the soft palm of the barber and the hard palm of
the colored boy who handed him his hat, and walked slowly up the
white marble steps. On the landing was a mirror. Captain James
Merivale stopped to look at Captain James Merivale. He was a tall
straightfeatured young man with a slight heaviness under the chin.
He wore a neat-fitting whipcord uniform picked out by the insignia of
the Rainbow Division, well furnished with ribbons and service-
stripes. The light of the mirror was reflected silvery on either calf of
his puttees. He cleared his throat as he looked himself up and down.
A young man in civilian clothes came up behind him.
“Hello James, all cleaned up?”
“You betcher.... Say isnt it a damn fool rule not letting us wear
Sam Browne belts? Spoils the whole uniform....”
“They can take all their Sam Browne’s belts and hang them on the
Commanding General’s fanny for all I care.... I’m a civilian.”
“You’re still an officer in the reserve corps, dont forget that.”
“They can take their reserve corps and shove it ten thousand
miles up the creek. Let’s go have a drink.”
“I’ve got to go up and see the folks.” They had come out on
Fortysecond Street. “Well so long James, I’m going to get so drunk
... Just imagine being free.” “So long Jerry, dont do anything I
wouldnt do.”
Merivale walked west along Fortysecond. There were still flags
out, drooping from windows, waggling lazily from poles in the
September breeze. He looked in the shops as he walked along;
flowers, women’s stockings, candy, shirts and neckties, dresses,
colored draperies through glinting plateglass, beyond a stream of
faces, men’s razorscraped faces, girls’ faces with rouged lips and
powdered noses. It made him feel flushed and excited. He fidgeted
when he got in the subway. “Look at the stripes that one has.... He’s
a D.S.C.,” he heard a girl say to another. He got out at
Seventysecond and walked with his chest stuck out down the too
familiar brownstone street towards the river.
“How do you do, Captain Merivale,” said the elevator man.
“Well, are you out James?” cried his mother running into his arms.
He nodded and kissed her. She looked pale and wilted in her
black dress. Maisie, also in black, came rustling tall and rosycheeked
behind her. “It’s wonderful to find you both looking so well.”
“Of course we are ... as well as could be expected. My dear we’ve
had a terrible time.... You’re the head of the family now, James.”
“Poor daddy ... to go off like that.”
“That was something you missed.... Thousands of people died of
it in New York alone.”
He hugged Maisie with one arm and his mother with the other.
Nobody spoke.
“Well,” said Merivale walking into the living room, “it was a great
war while it lasted.” His mother and sister followed on his heels. He
sat down in the leather chair and stretched out his polished legs.
“You dont know how wonderful it is to get home.”
Mrs. Merivale drew up her chair close to his. “Now dear you just
tell us all about it.”
In the dark of the stoop in front of the tenement door, he reaches
for her and drags her to him. “Dont Bouy, dont; dont be rough.” His
arms tighten like knotted cords round her back; her knees are
trembling. His mouth is groping for her mouth along one cheekbone,
down the side of her nose. She cant breathe with his lips probing her
lips. “Oh I cant stand it.” He holds her away from him. She is
staggering panting against the wall held up by his big hands.
“Nutten to worry about,” he whispers gently.
“I’ve got to go, it’s late.... I have to get up at six.”
“Well what time do you think I get up?”
“It’s mommer who might catch me....”
“Tell her to go to hell.”
“I will some day ... worse’n that ... if she dont quit pickin on me.”
She takes hold of his stubbly cheeks and kisses him quickly on the
mouth and has broken away from him and run up the four flights of
grimy stairs.
The door is still on the latch. She strips off her dancing pumps and
walks carefully through the kitchenette on aching feet. From the next
room comes the wheezy doublebarreled snoring of her uncle and
aunt. Somebody loves me, I wonder who.... The tune is all through
her body, in the throb of her feet, in the tingling place on her back
where he held her tight dancing with her. Anna you’ve got to forget it
or you wont sleep. Anna you got to forget. Dishes on the tables set
for breakfast jingle tingle hideously when she bumps against it.
“That you Anna?” comes a sleepy querulous voice from her
mother’s bed.
“Went to get a drink o water mommer.” The old woman lets the
breath out in a groan through her teeth, the bedsprings creak as she
turns over. Asleep all the time.
Somebody loves me, I wonder who. She slips off her party dress
and gets into her nightgown. Then she tiptoes to the closet to hang
up the dress and at last slides between the covers little by little so
the slats wont creak. I wonder who. Shuffle shuffle, bright lights, pink
blobbing faces, grabbing arms, tense thighs, bouncing feet. I wonder
who. Shuffle, droning saxophone tease, shuffle in time to the drum,
trombone, clarinet. Feet, thighs, cheek to cheek, Somebody loves
me.... Shuffle shuffle. I wonder who.
The baby with tiny shut purplishpink face and fists lay asleep on
the berth. Ellen was leaning over a black leather suitcase. Jimmy
Herf in his shirtsleeves was looking out the porthole.
“Well there’s the statue of Liberty.... Ellie we ought to be out on
deck.”
“It’ll be ages before we dock.... Go ahead up. I’ll come up with
Martin in a minute.”
“Oh come ahead; we’ll put the baby’s stuff in the bag while we’re
warping into the slip.”
They came out on deck into a dazzling September afternoon. The
water was greenindigo. A steady wind kept sweeping coils of brown
smoke and blobs of whitecotton steam off the high enormous
blueindigo arch of sky. Against a sootsmudged horizon, tangled with
barges, steamers, chimneys of powerplants, covered wharves,
bridges, lower New York was a pink and white tapering pyramid cut
slenderly out of cardboard.
“Ellie we ought to have Martin out so he can see.”
“And start yelling like a tugboat.... He’s better off where he is.”
They ducked under some ropes, slipped past the rattling
steamwinch and out to the bow.
“God Ellie it’s the greatest sight in the world.... I never thought I’d
ever come back, did you?”
“I had every intention of coming back.”
“Not like this.”
“No I dont suppose I did.”
“S’il vous plait madame ...”
A sailor was motioning them back. Ellen turned her face into the
wind to get the coppery whisps of hair out of her eyes. “C’est beau,
n’est-ce pas?” She smiled into the wind into the sailor’s red face.
“J’aime mieux Le Havre ... S’il vous plait madame.”
“Well I’ll go down and pack Martin up.”
The hard chug, chug of the tugboat coming alongside beat
Jimmy’s answer out of her ears. She slipped away from him and
went down to the cabin again.
They were wedged in the jam of people at the end of the
gangplank.
“Look we could wait for a porter,” said Ellen.
“No dear I’ve got them.” Jimmy was sweating and staggering with
a suitcase in each hand and packages under his arms. In Ellen’s
arms the baby was cooing stretching tiny spread hands towards the
faces all round.
“D’you know it?” said Jimmy as they crossed the gangplank, “I
kinder wish we were just going on board.... I hate getting home.”
“I dont hate it.... There’s H ... I’ll follow right along.... I wanted to
look for Frances and Bob. Hello....” “Well I’ll be ...” “Helena you’ve
gained, you’re looking wonderfully. Where’s Jimps?” Jimmy was
rubbing his hands together, stiff and chafed from handles of the
heavy suitcases.
“Hello Herf. Hello Frances. Isn’t this swell?”
“Gosh I’m glad to see you....”
“Jimps the thing for me to do is go right on to the Brevoort with the
baby ...”
“Isn’t he sweet.”
“... Have you got five dollars?”
“I’ve only got a dollar in change. That hundred is in express
checks.”
“I’ve got plenty of money. Helena and I’ll go to the hotel and you
boys can come along with the baggage.”
“Inspector is it all right if I go through with the baby? My husband
will look after the trunks.”
“Why surely madam, go right ahead.”
“Isnt he nice? Oh Frances this is lots of fun.”
“Go ahead Bob I can finish this up alone quicker.... You convoy
the ladies to the Brevoort.”
“Well we hate to leave you.”
“Oh go ahead.... I’ll be right along.”
“Mr. James Herf and wife and infant ... is that it?”
“Yes that’s right.”
“I’ll be right with you, Mr. Herf.... Is all the baggage there?”
“Yes everything’s there.”
“Isnt he good?” clucked Frances as she and Hildebrand followed
Ellen into the cab.
“Who?”
“The baby of course....”
“Oh you ought to see him sometimes.... He seems to like
traveling.”
A plainclothesman opened the door of the cab and looked in as
they went out the gate. “Want to smell our breaths?” asked
Hildebrand. The man had a face like a block of wood. He closed the
door. “Helena doesn’t know prohibition yet, does she?”
“He gave me a scare ... Look.”
“Good gracious!” From under the blanket that was wrapped round
the baby she produced a brownpaper package.... “Two quarts of our
special cognac ... gout famille ’Erf ... and I’ve got another quart in a
hotwaterbottle under my waistband.... That’s why I look as if I was
going to have another baby.”
The Hildebrands began hooting with laughter.
“Jimp’s got a hotwaterbottle round his middle too and chartreuse
in a flask on his hip.... We’ll probably have to go and bail him out of
jail.”
They were still laughing so that tears were streaming down their
faces when they drew up at the hotel. In the elevator the baby began
to wail.
As soon as she had closed the door of the big sunny room she
fished the hotwaterbottle from under her dress. “Look Bob phone
down for some cracked ice and seltzer.... We’ll all have a cognac a
l’eau de selz....”
“Hadn’t we better wait for Jimps?”
“Oh he’ll be right here.... We haven’t anything dutiable.... Much
too broke to have anything.... Frances what do you do about milk in
New York?”
“How should I know, Helena?” Frances Hildebrand flushed and
walked to the window.
“Oh well we’ll give him his food again.... He’s done fairly well on it
on the trip.” Ellen had laid the baby on the bed. He lay kicking,
looking about with dark round goldstone eyes.
“Isnt he fat?”
“He’s so healthy I’m sure he must be halfwitted.... Oh Heavens
and I’ve got to call up my father.... Isnt family life just too desperately
complicated?”
Ellen was setting up her little alcohol stove on the washstand. The
bellboy came with glasses and a bowl of clinking ice and White Rock
on a tray.
“You fix us a drink out of the hotwaterbottle. We’ve got to use that
up or it’ll eat the rubber.... And we’ll drink to the Café d’Harcourt.”
“Of course what you kids dont realize,” said Hildebrand, “is that
the difficulty under prohibition is keeping sober.”
Ellen laughed; she stood over the little lamp that gave out a quiet
domestic smell of hot nickel and burned alcohol.