Obviously, if you're finished with your surgery, you'll need to get stitches. The stitches are placed on your playing piece and remain there for the entire game. Each time you visit the O.R., you'll need another set of stitches. These stitches will keep track of your O.R. visits. The more often you enter the operating room, the less likely you are of getting out in good health to continue the game. If you get too many sets of stitches, you can trade them in for a zipper.
(just kidding)