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Group - Although I received the "real" surgery for the implantation of fetal cells (not from humans but from pigs) I feel that I am in a position to offer an opinion on "sham" procedures. First, it is important to understand that the original 12 (which includes me) involved in "Phase 1" studies were used to test the SAFETY aspects of having cells from another species injected into our brains. The possibility existed that something could go horribly wrong. In particular, the infection by (and spreading of) an unknown virus was a real concern. So far that fear has not been realized. But blood work is still performed every 90 days. There was so much concern over this that all research on xenotransplants was banned in Great Britain for several years. That ban has only recently been lifted. "Phase 2" studies (which include "sham" surgeries) could only begin after the scientists were reasonably sure there were no problems with the "Phase 1" group. As it is well known that the placebo-effect can be quite powerful, researchers had to devise a system which would absolutely prove or disprove that a particular therapy had efficacy. So far, the best they've come up with is a "control group" where half the patients have the "real" surgery while the other half get a "sham" operation. Admittedly, this sounds very cruel. But if anyone has a better system, please speak up! And let's not forget, these procedures are done with a small number of volunteers who are fully informed as to what they're getting into. NO one is dragged into the operating room against their will. And NO promises are made, either. I have heard some nonsense about lawsuits being brought by those parties who did not have the "real" operation. I can't think of a better way to delay the potential availability of this therapy to the general public. A word on the actual drilling. You don't feel a thing even though you are awake! You can expect a nasty headache for several days after the surgery. In a word; it's just not all that bad. I'd rather have this operation than face dental surgery; AND I'VE HAD BOTH! Lastly, as I understand it, those who did not have the "real" surgery retain the option of having the operation re-done at the end of the study period. Check on this carefully before you agree to the procedure. For those new list members who have not read the diary of my experiences with xenotransplant surgery: Feel free to request a copy by E-Mail. Write directly to me, not the ListServe. It will be sent as an attached ".TXT" file. Jim Finn