Politics 20 February 2019updated 07 Sep 2021 10:20am Surgical stitch-up: meet the placebo surgeon Could the placebo effect work in surgery? When a doctor wanted to investigate – by opening patients up but not operating – some said it was criminal. But the resulting study has shaken the medical world By Xan Rice (Photo By ) Content from our partners More than a landlord: A future of opportunity Spotlight Towards an NHS fit for the future Spotlight How drones can revolutionise UK public services Spotlight Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe