What suffix is used to denote the act of surgical excision?

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The suffix that denotes the act of surgical excision is "-ectomy." This term specifically refers to the surgical removal of a specific body part or organ. For example, a "appendectomy" is the surgical removal of the appendix, while a "mastectomy" involves the excision of breast tissue. The use of "-ectomy" is particularly associated with procedures where tissue is cut out and excised from the body.

Other suffixes mentioned may relate to surgery but do not specifically denote removal. For instance, "-otomy" indicates an incision into a part of the body, rather than its removal, usually for purposes like exploration or drainage. The use of "-tomy" serves a similar function, where it denotes cutting but does not imply the tissue is being excised. These distinctions are crucial for understanding surgical terminology and the specific procedures being described.