What does '-centesis' refer to in medical terminology?

The suffix '-centesis' in medical terminology specifically denotes a surgical procedure that involves puncturing a body cavity or organ to remove fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This term is derived from the Greek word 'kentesis,' meaning "to puncture."

In medical practice, this suffix is commonly used in terms like 'amniocentesis,' which refers to the procedure of puncturing the amniotic sac to collect amniotic fluid for testing, and 'thoracentesis,' which is the puncture of the chest to withdraw fluid from the pleural space. By indicating a procedure that involves a surgical puncture, '-centesis' highlights its clinical significance in diagnosing conditions or providing relief from fluid accumulation in various cavities of the body.