One problem with this analysis is that the FDA actually regulates a ton of what happens in surgeries, which sharply reduces how much this example actually proves. Specifically, they approve all of the devices that get used during surgery, from the scalpels to the monitoring equipment to the surgical sponges, all the laparoscopic instruments used in modern surgeries, and all the replacement joints and implanted or assistive devices which are being put in in many surgeries. Yes, this is different than regulating the surgery itself, but it manages to cut off a huge range of surgical interventions that could be more dangerous or less reliable, while it raises costs and slows innovation. So I’m less sure how well surgery serves as an example of working well without the FDA.
One problem with this analysis is that the FDA actually regulates a ton of what happens in surgeries, which sharply reduces how much this example actually proves. Specifically, they approve all of the devices that get used during surgery, from the scalpels to the monitoring equipment to the surgical sponges, all the laparoscopic instruments used in modern surgeries, and all the replacement joints and implanted or assistive devices which are being put in in many surgeries. Yes, this is different than regulating the surgery itself, but it manages to cut off a huge range of surgical interventions that could be more dangerous or less reliable, while it raises costs and slows innovation. So I’m less sure how well surgery serves as an example of working well without the FDA.