In order for a drug to be approved by the FDA, it must prove itself better than a placebo, or fake drug. But when it comes to medical devices and surgery, the requirements aren’t the same. Placebos aren’t required. That is likely a mistake. On the other hand, how might placebos work in surgery?
It actually turns out that fake, or “sham” procedures, have been around for quite some time. And, they’re important. Watch this episode and learn:
This episode is based on a piece I wrote for The Upshot on surgical placebos. References can be found in the links in that piece.
