Which suffix denotes surgical repair?

• A. -plasty
• B. -ectomy
• C. -centesis
• D. -lysis

Answer: (A)

Repair or reconstruction of a structure is indicated by the suffix -plasty. It signals a surgical procedure aimed at repairing, reshaping, or restoring function—for example, rhinoplasty repairs or reshapes the nose, and arthroplasty repairs or replaces a joint. The other suffixes denote different types of procedures: -ectomy means surgical removal, -centesis is a puncture to withdraw fluid, and -lysis refers to destruction or dissolution of tissue. Thus, -plasty is the suffix that denotes surgical repair.