What does "-pexy" indicate in medical terminology?

The suffix "-pexy" in medical terminology indicates surgical fixation. This means that a surgical procedure is performed to fasten or stabilize a structure or organ in a desired position within the body, often to prevent displacement or to correct a malposition. For instance, in the term "orchidopexy," which refers to the surgical fixation of an undescended testicle, the "-pexy" indicates the corrective action of securing the testicle in the scrotum.

Understanding this term is crucial in the medical field as it provides insight into the nature of the surgical procedures being referred to and is commonly used in various contexts. The other options refer to different types of surgical interventions; for instance, "surgical repair" relates to fixing or restoring a function, while "surgical removal" pertains to the excision of a part or organ, and "diagnostic imaging" involves techniques to visualize the internal structure of the body, which is not a surgical action.