What type of surgical procedure is indicated by the suffix “-ectomy”?

The suffix “-ectomy” specifically refers to the surgical removal of an organ or tissue from the body. This term is widely used in medical terminology to describe various types of surgeries where the primary goal is to excise or take out a specific part, such as appendectomy (removal of the appendix) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Recognizing this suffix is essential for understanding the nature of the procedure being described and is a fundamental part of medical vocabulary related to surgical interventions.

The other options, while related to surgical practices, do not align with the precise meaning of “-ectomy.” Surgical suturing refers to the process of stitching tissues together, surgical examination involves inspecting an area or organ, and surgical repair pertains to restoring something to its normal structure or function, none of which indicate removal. Thus, "surgical removal" is the most accurate definition corresponding to the suffix “-ectomy.”