What is a common concern related to a patient with a high BMI prior to surgery?

A high Body Mass Index (BMI) presents several concerns when preparing for surgery, one of the foremost being an increased risk for infection. Patients with a high BMI often have a greater number of underlying health issues, such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems, which can further complicate surgical procedures and recovery.

Additionally, excess body fat can hinder circulation and the body's ability to heal, making it more challenging to recover from surgery and increasing the likelihood of infections at the surgical site. There is also a potential for longer operating times due to difficulties in accessing certain areas of the body, which can contribute to an increased risk of postoperative infection.

In regard to the other choices, enhanced mobility is generally not a concern for patients with high BMI; rather, they may have decreased mobility. Muscle degeneration can occur for various reasons, but it is not a primary concern in the context of high BMI prior to surgery. Similarly, while scarring is a consideration in any surgery, the patient’s BMI does not directly correlate with an increased risk of scarring beyond normal expectations. Thus, the concern over potential infection risk stands out as the most significant factor linked to high BMI.