What does herniorrhaphy refer to?

Herniorrhaphy specifically refers to the surgical repair of a hernia, which is a condition where an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. During this procedure, the surgeon repositions the protruding tissue back into its rightful place and reinforces the abdominal wall with sutures or mesh to prevent recurrence. Understanding this term is essential for recognizing various surgical treatments within medical terminology, especially in the context of surgical specialties. The other options relate to different surgical procedures—removing a tumor, correcting fractures, and treating varicose veins—but do not pertain to the specific meaning of herniorrhaphy.