What does the suffix '-ostomy' indicate?

The suffix '-ostomy' indicates the creation of an opening or a surgical procedure that involves forming a new outlet or passage in the body. This term is often used in various medical contexts to describe procedures that connect organs to the surface of the body or to each other. For example, a colostomy creates an opening in the abdominal wall for fecal elimination following intestinal surgery. Understanding this suffix is crucial for medical assistants when communicating patient care plans and interpreting medical terminology accurately, as it directly relates to surgical interventions and patient procedures.