What is the medical suffix that indicates the surgical creation of an opening?

The suffix that indicates the surgical creation of an opening is indeed -stomy. This suffix derives from the Greek word "stoma," meaning "mouth" or "opening." In medical terminology, -stomy is used to describe procedures where a new opening is created to allow passage or drainage from the inside of the body to the outside. For example, a colostomy involves creating an opening from the colon to the abdominal surface.

In contrast, -tomy refers to an incision or cutting into an organ or tissue but does not imply the creation of a permanent opening. -rrhaphy indicates suturing or stitching together of tissues, typically after a surgical procedure. -ectomize is associated with removal or excision of a part of the body and does not pertain to the creation of an opening. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in medical terminology, as the suffixes convey specific actions and procedures in the context of surgery and anatomy.