This is a dexterity game in which you must extract silly body parts from a hapless patient. If you are sloppy, the patient's pain is indicated by a sudden buzzer.
As the result of a recent survey, the newer versions of this game now include the new ailment Ice Cream Headache. There has also been an updated version of the game with all new electronic scoring and renamed Operation: Rapid Response (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/34846)
Various editions change the patient and the items to be removed, but the game stays the same in its essence:
Shrek -- just like the classic version, but with Shrek.
Simpsons -- Remove Homer's Bowler's Thumb, Pot Belly, Foot in Mouth, Rubber Neck, Trick Knee, etc.
T-Rex -- excavating bones of a T. Rex
Spiderman 3 - healing all of Spiderman's ailments