Which suffix means excision?

The suffix that signifies "excision" is commonly recognized as "ectomy." This term is derived from Greek, where "ektome" means "cutting out" or "excision." In medical terminology, "ectomy" is used to refer to the surgical removal of specific organs or tissues. For instance, an appendectomy is the surgical procedure in which the appendix is excised.

Understanding this suffix is crucial in the medical field since it provides a clear indication of the nature of a procedure involving the removal of tissue or organs. The other options represent different surgical concepts; for example, the suffix "otomy" denotes an incision into an organ, "plasty" refers to surgical repair or reconstruction, and "stomy" indicates the creation of an opening. Recognizing these distinctions can enhance comprehension of surgical terms and their implications in sterile processing.