What is the term for the surgical procedure to aspirate fluid?

The term for the surgical procedure to aspirate fluid is -centesis. The suffix "-centesis" specifically denotes a procedure where a needle is used to withdraw fluid from a cavity or space in the body, such as in amniocentesis, where amniotic fluid is extracted from the amniotic sac, or thoracentesis, which involves removing fluid from the pleural cavity. This term is derived from the Greek word "centesis," which means "to puncture."

In contrast, the other suffixes hold different meanings: "-scopy" refers to the visual examination of a body part using an instrument (like endoscopy), "-ectomy" signifies the surgical removal of a part or tissue (such as appendectomy, which is the removal of the appendix), and "-graphy" pertains to the process of recording or imaging an organ or part (as in radiography, which involves x-ray imaging). Understanding these suffixes helps clarify the specific nature of various medical procedures.