In medical terminology, which suffix refers to the removal or excision of a body part?

The suffix that refers to the removal or excision of a body part is "-ectomy." This term originates from the Greek word "ektome," meaning "to cut out." It is commonly used in various medical procedures to indicate that a specific body part has been surgically removed. For example, a hysterectomy involves the removal of the uterus, and an appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix. Recognizing this suffix is essential for understanding surgical terminology and the nature of specific medical procedures.

The other suffixes have different meanings: "-rrhaphy" indicates surgical suturing, "-lysis" refers to the breakdown or separation of a substance, and "-pexy" means fixation or surgical attachment of an organ or tissue. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify medical procedures and their implications.