Which suffix is used to denote surgical removal?

Which suffix is used to denote surgical removal?

• A. -scopy
• B. -plasty
• C. -ostomy
• D. -ectomy

Answer: (D)

In medical terms, the suffix that denotes surgical removal is -ectomy. It signals excision or removal of a part or organ, so you see terms like appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Other suffixes point to different types of procedures: -scopy means looking inside with a scope (an endoscopy), -plasty means repair or reshaping, and -ostomy means creating an opening for drainage or passage (such as a colostomy). So the suffix for surgical removal is -ectomy.

In medical terms, the suffix that denotes surgical removal is -ectomy. It signals excision or removal of a part or organ, so you see terms like appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Other suffixes point to different types of procedures: -scopy means looking inside with a scope (an endoscopy), -plasty means repair or reshaping, and -ostomy means creating an opening for drainage or passage (such as a colostomy). So the suffix for surgical removal is -ectomy.