What is the meaning of the suffix "-stomy"?

The suffix "-stomy" is derived from the Greek word "stoma," which means "mouth" or "opening." In medical terminology, it refers specifically to the creation of an artificial opening in a structure of the body. For example, a colostomy involves surgically creating an opening from the colon to the outside of the body, allowing for the passage of stool. Understanding this suffix is important in various medical fields, as it helps in interpreting procedures that involve the creation of openings for healing or drainage.

The other options do not accurately represent the meaning of "-stomy." The choice concerning "inside, within" pertains more to prefixes like "endo-," while "painful, difficult" relates to terms with the prefix "dys-." The term associated with "treatment" does not align with the specific indication of a surgical opening implied by "-stomy."