CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

Which term would signify a surgical procedure involving removal?

1. -dynia

2. -ectomy

3. -emesis

4. -emia

The correct answer is: -ectomy

The term that signifies a surgical procedure involving removal is indeed the suffix that includes "-ectomy." This suffix is derived from the Greek word "ektemnein," which means "to cut out." It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to the excision or resection of a particular organ or tissue from the body. For example, "appendectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the appendix, while "hysterectomy" denotes the removal of the uterus. The other terms have different meanings. The suffix "-dynia" refers to pain, as seen in terms like "neuralgia," which indicates nerve pain. "-emesis" is associated with vomiting, demonstrated in terms like "hyperemesis," which refers to excessive vomiting. Lastly, "-emia" relates to blood conditions, such as "anemia," which denotes a deficiency of red cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Understanding the correct suffix for medical procedures is crucial for accurate communication in the healthcare field.