Worst Medical Procedures in History: Bloodletting, Lobotomies & Trepanation (Part 1: #10-6) episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 8, 2026 · 29 MIN

Worst Medical Procedures in History: Bloodletting, Lobotomies & Trepanation (Part 1: #10-6)

from Macabre : Dark History · host Dark History and True Crime

Okay so... you guys, we are counting down the ten worst medical procedures in history — We're counting down the 10 worst medical procedures in history: bloodletting, lobotomies, malaria therapy for syphilis, and trepanation. treatments that were once completely standard, doctor-recommended, here-take-two-and-call-me-in-the-morning normal — and are now the stuff of absolute nightmares. This is Part 1: numbers 10 through 6, and we are not easing you in gently.We're talking bloodletting and the golden age of leeches, lobotomies as a wellness trend, deliberately giving people malaria to cure syphilis (yes, on purpose), milk transfusions that went exactly as well as you'd think, and the kind of historical "innovation" that makes you deeply grateful for the modern waiting room. Along the way: the surprisingly dark origins of the nose job, the ancient art of drilling holes in skulls, and a few procedures so unhinged we had to stop and read the source twice.It's gruesome, it's a little funny, it's a lot of "how did anyone survive the year 1700" — classic MACABRE.But here's the thing. The top 5 — the genuinely worst of the worst, including a certain centrifugal childbirth contraption we're not even going to name out loud here — those live behind the curtain. To get the full countdown, including #5 through #1, join us on Patreon or become a paid Spotify subscriber. Same dark stories, zero ads, and you keep this whole macabre operation running. The light's on. Come find out what we left in the dark.Loving MACABRE?If you think we’ve earned your 5 star review…we would “spoop” our pants if you share your raving review on your favorite podcast platform Want More? Spotify Exclusive subscribers get ad-free episodes, early access, and bonus content you won’t hear anywhere else.Want even more? Patreon members unlock additional bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early releases, and exclusive MACABRE perks.Have a story you want us to tell?📩 Send it to [email protected] to connect with fellow listeners?Join our private Facebook group: Macabre PodcastAnd don’t forget to grab your MACABRE merch at🖤 www.gothiccthreads.com

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Worst Medical Procedures in History: Bloodletting, Lobotomies & Trepanation (Part 1: #10-6)

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