Which term implies "opening" in a medical context?

The term that implies "opening" in a medical context is "-stomy." This suffix is typically used to refer to the creation of an opening into an organ or body structure, often as part of a surgical procedure. For example, a colostomy involves creating an opening from the colon to the surface of the abdomen, allowing waste to exit the body.

The other terms do not carry the same implication of "opening." The suffix "-therapy" refers to treatment and is used in various contexts, such as physical therapy or chemotherapy, none of which suggest creating an opening. The suffix "-tomy" indicates an incision or cutting into a part of the body, which does involve an opening but specifically ranges from making an incision rather than creating a permanent opening. Lastly, "-scopy" pertains to viewing or examining a body part using an instrument, such as endoscopy, but does not imply the formation of an opening in the way that "-stomy" does.