Medical terminology · Procedures, Diagnosis and Surgery

-tomy — Cutting; incision

-tomy means cutting; incision. Ancient Greek source words and medical terminology examples: laparotomy.

Meaning and source words

Meaning: Cutting; incision

• Ancient Greek: τομή (tome)

Examples and word parts

laparotomy

An incision into the abdominal cavity.

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Related procedures, diagnosis and surgery terms

• -centesis — Surgical puncture to remove fluid

  amniocentesis

• -desis — Surgical binding

  arthrodesis

• -ectomy — Cut out, removal

  appendectomy

• -gram, -graph, -graphy — Recording, written

  electrocardiogram

• -meter — Device used for measuring

  spirometer

• -metry — Measurement of

  spirometry

• -opsy — Visual examination

  biopsy

• -ostomy — Opening

  colostomy

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