The suffix -ostomy indicates which of the following?

• A. Surgically create an opening
• B. Surgical repair
• C. Cutting into, surgical incision
• D. Pain, suffering

Answer: (A)

Surgically creating an opening. The suffix -ostomy signals that a new opening (a stoma) is made to the outside of the body or into a hollow organ, so its purpose is to allow passage or drainage. Examples include colostomy or ileostomy, where a portion of the bowel is brought to the skin to create an opening.

This isn’t about cutting into (that’s -otomy), repairing (that's -plasty), removing (that’s -ectomy), or other processes. The key idea is establishing a permanent access opening.