What does the suffix "-ectomy" refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix "-ectomy" is derived from the Greek word "ektomē," meaning "to cut out." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to the surgical removal or excision of a particular organ or tissue. For instance, an appendectomy involves the surgical removal of the appendix, and a tonsillectomy refers to the removal of the tonsils. This understanding of the suffix is fundamental in interpreting various medical procedures and helps in understanding diagnoses that involve surgical interventions.

The other choices refer to different types of surgical procedures. For example, surgical fixation involves stabilizing a structure, plastic repair relates to reconstructing or repairing body parts, and tympanoplasty (related to option D) is the repair of the tympanic membrane. Each of these terms highlights different aspects of surgical operations that do not involve excision, underscoring the unique scope of what "-ectomy" entails.