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

The suffix "-rrhaphy" in medical terminology specifically means "suture" or "repair." It is commonly used in various medical terms to indicate a procedure in which tissue is stitched or secured together. For example, a "herniorrhaphy" refers to the surgical repair of a hernia by suturing the defect in the abdominal wall. This suffix derives from the Greek word "rhaphē," meaning seam or suture.

In medical terminology, understanding suffixes is crucial as they often denote the type of procedure or condition being discussed. Other suffixes listed represent different concepts, such as surgical crushing or procedural types, but "-rrhaphy" distinctly points to the act of suturing, which is a fundamental aspect of surgical intervention when dealing with torn or damaged tissues.