What does the suffix "-stomy" indicate in a medical procedure?

The suffix "-stomy" is derived from Greek, meaning "to create an opening." In medical terminology, it specifically refers to a surgical procedure that involves the creation of a new opening in an organ or body structure, typically to allow for the discharge of bodily fluids or waste, or to provide a new route for bodily functions.

For example, a colostomy involves creating an opening in the colon to allow stool to exit the body into a collection bag, bypassing a damaged part of the intestine. This capability to create a new opening is essential in a variety of surgical procedures to manage medical conditions effectively.

The other options refer to different types of medical procedures: the removal of tissue is typically indicated by the suffix "-ectomy," repair of a defect might be indicated by "-plasty" or "-rrhaphy," and excision of an organ is also described by "-ectomy." Each of these suffixes conveys a distinct meaning related to surgical interventions, but "-stomy" specifically focuses on the creation of an opening.