What does "-tomy" signify in surgical terms?

The suffix "-tomy" is derived from Greek, meaning "to cut" or "cutting into" a structure. In surgical terminology, it indicates a procedure where an incision is made into a tissue or organ. For example, a laparotomy refers to cutting into the abdominal cavity, and a tracheotomy involves cutting into the trachea. This term specifically conveys the action of making a cut rather than repairing or removing tissue, which aligns perfectly with the understanding of surgical practices. Hence, in this context, "-tomy" clearly signifies the process of cutting.