| Suffix | Meaning | Example | Meaning of Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| -otomy | To cut into (incision) | Laparotomy | Incision into the abdomen |
| -ectomy | To cut out, remove | Appendectomy | Removal of the appendix |
| -ostomy | To create an opening | Colostomy | Creating an opening in the colon |
| -plasty | To repair or reconstruct | Rhinoplasty | Surgical reconstruction of the nose |
| -pexy | To fix or secure in place | Nephropexy | Surgical fixation of a kidney |
| -rrhaphy | To suture or stitch | Herniorrhaphy | Surgical repair of a hernia |
| -lysis | To loosen, destroy, or break down | Adhesiolysis | Breaking down of adhesions |
| -tripsy | To crush | Lithotripsy | Crushing of stones (e.g., kidney stones) |
| -scopy | To look or examine using a scope | Endoscopy | Examination of the inside of a body part |
| -desis | To bind or fuse | Arthrodesis | Surgical fusion of a joint |
| -clasis | To break | Osteoclasis | Surgical breaking of a bone |
| -centesis | To puncture to remove fluid | Amniocentesis | Puncture to remove amniotic fluid |
| -graphy | To record or take an image | Angiography | Imaging of blood vessels |
| -ectomy | Surgical removal | Mastectomy | Removal of a breast |
| -tomy | To cut or make an incision | Tracheotomy | Incision into the trachea |
| -plasty | Surgical repair or reconstruction | Angioplasty | Repair of a blood vessel |