Operative Suffixes
Terms
undefined, object
copy deck
- -lysis
-
separate, loosen
example: electrolysis; neurolysis--loosening of nerve (tissue) - -clasis
-
break, refracture
example: osteoclasis--refracturing a bone - -desis
-
fixation of a bone
example: arthrodesis--the stiffening of a joint by operative means - -ectomy
-
excision, removal
examples: appendectomy--removal of appendix; gas-trectomy--removal of the stomach; mastectomy--removal of a breast - -tomy
-
incision, but into
example: phlebotomy--incision into a vein; tracheotomy--incision of the trachea - -plasty
-
surgical repair
examples: rectoplasty--surgical repair of the rectum; rhinoplasty--surgical repair of the nose - -scopy
-
visual examination
examples: colonoscopy--visual exam of the colon; proctoscopy--visual exam of the rectum - -centesis
-
surgical puncture
examples: amniocentesis; arthrocentesis - -tripsy
-
crushing
example: lithotripsy--surgical crushing of a stone - -stomy
-
forming a new opening
examples: colostomy--forming a new opening into the colon; tracheostomy--forming an opening into the trachea - -rrhaphy
-
suture
examples: myorrhaphy--suture of a muscle; gastrorrhaphy--suture of the stomach (wall) - -pexy
-
fixation of an organ
example: hysteropexy--fixation of the uterus