What does the suffix "-rrhaphy" refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix "-rrhaphy" specifically refers to the act of suturing or stitching together. In medical terminology, it is often used to describe surgical procedures that involve the closure of a wound or incision by sewing the tissues together. For example, "herniorrhaphy" indicates the surgical repair of a hernia by suturing the muscle layer. This suffix is derived from the Greek word "rrhaphē," meaning "to sew."

Understanding this term can be crucial in various medical contexts, as suturing is a common practice in surgeries and wound care. The other options refer to different surgical concepts: the process of cutting would relate to "-tomy," process of removal pertains to "-ectomy," and surgical fixation is indicated by "-pexy." Each of these suffixes carries a distinct meaning that is important in accurately describing surgical procedures.