What does the suffix "-ectomy" signify in medical terms?

The suffix "-ectomy" signifies "excision" or "removal" in medical terminology. This term is commonly used in various surgical contexts to describe procedures involving the removal of specific body parts or organs. For example, an appendectomy refers to the surgical removal of the appendix, while a mastectomy involves the removal of breast tissue. Understanding this suffix is essential for interpreting medical terms accurately, especially in discussions about surgical procedures or diagnoses. The other options relate to positional or directional terms but do not accurately convey the meaning associated with "-ectomy."