What does the suffix "-tomy" mean in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, the suffix "-tomy" specifically refers to an incision or a cut made into a body structure. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "tomia," which means incision, and it is commonly found in various surgical terms indicating that a surgical procedure involves making an opening or cut in a particular organ or body part. For example, "appendectomy" refers to the surgical procedure for removing the appendix, which includes making an incision into the abdomen. Understanding this suffix is essential for interpreting medical terms related to various surgical procedures and their implications for a patient's care.