Surgical Suffixes

Question 1

(o)tomy

Answer 1

to cut into

exploratory laparatomy - full-size incision on abdominal region
craniotomy - bone flap is temporarily removed from skull to access brain

Question 2

ectomy

Answer 2

to cut out

gastrectomy - excision of part or all of stomach
mastectomy - complete or partial removal of one or both breasts

Question 3

(o)stomy

Answer 3

to make an opening

colostomy - an opening formed at healthy end of large intestine as an alternative channel for feces to leave body

Question 4

centesis

Answer 4

to puncture

thoracentesis - fluid or air removal from pleural space
paracentesis - remove fluid accumulated in abdominal cavity

Question 5

scopy

Answer 5

uses an endoscope

bronchoscopy - fiberoptic scope inserted into airway
cystoscopy - endoscopy of urinary bladder via urethra

Question 6

plasty

Answer 6

shaping or surgical formation of a body part

e.g. rhinoplasty, arthroplasty

Question 7

desis

Answer 7

binding of a body part

pleurodesis - adheres the two pleurae