What does the suffix '-otomy' imply in surgical procedures?

The suffix '-otomy' is derived from the Greek word "tomia," which means "to cut." In surgical terminology, it specifically indicates a surgical incision made into an organ or body part. This type of procedure is typically performed to access the inside of the organ to treat a medical condition, such as removing a blockage, obtaining a biopsy, or facilitating other therapeutic interventions.

For example, a laparotomy refers to an incision into the abdominal cavity, allowing surgeons to view and potentially address various internal issues. Understanding this term helps to differentiate between various types of surgical actions; while resection involves the removal of tissue, an -otomy simply implies that an incision has been made without necessarily removing a part of the organ or structure.