In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yunchang (or Guan Yu) was recorded as undergoing an arm surgery playing Weiqi.

When Guan Yu attacked Fancheng, he was wounded by a poisonous arrow shot by Cao Ren. The poison reached the bone and his right arm was badly swollen, immobilizing him. Guan Ping suggested that they should retreat back to Jingzhou. Afraid that his soldiers might be discouraged, Guan Yu refused to retreat. At this instance, Hua Tuo, the famous physician, arrived from Jiangdong on a boat. Guan Ping was greatly pleased and asked Hua to examine Guan Yu. Taking off his shirt, Guan continued to play Weiqi against Ma Liang. Hua concluded that an operation was called for. Guan did not want Hua to put him to sleep during the operation, for he worried that the enemy might attack them. As Hua prepared for the surgery, he suggested that Guan should tie his arm to a pillar (in case he couldn't stand the pain and moved) and have his eyes covered.

When Guan heard Hua's suggestion, he laughed, saying, 'This is such a simple procedure. There is no need for these.' He then asked for some wine and stuck his arm out for Hua. Hua took out a surgical knife and proceeded to cut open Guan's arm, removing the infected area. Since the poison had reached the bone, it turned blue, and Huan had to scrape the bone to get the poison out. Seeing the blood and hearing the scraping sound, everyone couldn't bear to watch except Guan, who was talking, drinking, and playing Weiqi. After Hua had finished, he sewed up the wound and Guan told Hua, 'My arm is good as new and there is no pain at all. You are really the best of all doctors!' Hua replied, 'In my whole life, I have never seen anyone as brave as you. You are the best of all heroes!' Although it's apparent that Guan used Weiqi to divert his attention during his surgery, his bravery was still unmatched throughout history.