Surgical Tech Practice Exam

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Prepare for your Surgical Tech Exam using comprehensive quizzes and practice questions tailored to enhance your knowledge and readiness. Each question comes with hints and detailed explanations, helping you confidently approach your test.

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Which suffix typically means excision?

Plasty
ectomy
ostomy
itis

The correct answer is: ectomy

The suffix that typically means excision is "ectomy." This term originates from the Greek word "ektome," which translates to removal or excision of a body part. In the medical field, procedures that involve the surgical removal of organs or tissues often use this suffix. For example, in appendectomy, the appendix is removed, and in mastectomy, breast tissue is excised. The other options refer to different concepts: "plasty" commonly relates to surgical repair or reconstruction, "ostomy" refers to creating an opening, usually for bodily waste to exit, and "itis" signifies inflammation. Each of these suffixes indicates a specific type of surgical procedure or condition that is distinct from excision.