What does the suffix "-ectomy" signify in medical practices?

The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektome," meaning "to cut out." In medical terminology, it signifies surgical procedures that involve the removal of a part of the body. This often includes organs or tissues and is commonly used in terms such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix) and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils).

Understanding this suffix is essential for medical professionals, as it directly relates to the type of surgical intervention being performed. The other options refer to different terms in medical vocabulary: repair would relate to surgical procedures aimed at fixing or mending tissues, imaging pertains to diagnostic techniques used to visualize structures within the body, and inflammation refers to a biological response to harmful stimuli but does not imply any surgical intervention. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of surgical removal associated with "-ectomy."