Medical Terminology
Decode clinical language one meaningful piece at a time.
Lesson 7 of 12
Surgical and procedure suffixes
Procedure endings often reveal whether a clinician views, repairs, removes, or creates an opening in a structure. These word parts are useful when reading a referral or history, though the actual procedure and its purpose depend on the full term. Similar suffixes should not be confused: removal differs from incision, and fixation differs from repair. If a client mentions a procedure, ask about relevant precautions and follow referral guidance rather than interpreting beyond scope.
Key points
- -ectomy means surgical removal or excision.
- -otomy means cutting into or making an incision.
- -ostomy refers to creating an opening.
- -plasty means surgical repair or reshaping.
- -rrhaphy means suturing; -desis means binding or fixation.
- -centesis names puncture to withdraw fluid or obtain a sample.
- Procedure terms in a client's history may signal the need to clarify restrictions or healing status.
Key terms
- -ectomy
- Surgical removal.
- -otomy
- Incision into a structure.
- -ostomy
- Creation of an opening.
- -plasty
- Surgical repair or reshaping.
- -rrhaphy
- Suturing.
- -desis
- Binding or fixation.
- -centesis
- Puncture to withdraw fluid or sample.
Memory tip
Remember: -ectomy removes; -otomy opens by incision.
Clinical note
Post-procedure precautions vary; confirm the client's instructions and refer questions appropriately.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.