What type of procedure does the suffix "-ectomy" indicate?

The suffix "-ectomy" specifically indicates a surgical procedure involving the removal of a body part or an organ. This term is derived from the Greek word "ektome," which means "excision." For example, in medical terminology, a "appendectomy" refers to the surgical removal of the appendix, while a "mastectomy" involves the removal of breast tissue. The use of this suffix is a clear indicator that the procedure entails cutting out or excising something from the body as part of a surgical intervention.