The suffix -centesis denotes which procedure?

• A. Surgical puncture to remove fluid
• B. Imaging of a body part
• C. Surgical repair
• D. Incision into a joint

Answer: (A)

Suffix -centesis signals a procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity or structure to withdraw fluid or air. It denotes aspiration or drainage via a needle or catheter. For example, paracentesis withdraws fluid from the peritoneal cavity, thoracentesis withdraws fluid from the pleural space, and amniocentesis withdraws amniotic fluid. Because centesis refers to puncture for fluid removal, it best matches a surgical puncture to remove fluid. Imaging terms use different suffixes, surgical repair uses -plasty, and an incision into a joint would be described with a different term such as arthrotomy, so those do not describe puncture for drainage.