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True or False: Obesity is considered an independent risk factor for surgical site infections.
True
False
Depends on the procedure
Not applicable to all patients
The correct answer is: True
Obesity is recognized as an independent risk factor for surgical site infections (SSIs) due to various physiological and mechanical reasons. Obese patients often experience impaired immune function, reduced perfusion, and delayed wound healing. The increased amount of adipose tissue can complicate surgical procedures, leading to longer operation times and difficulties in achieving optimal closure of the surgical site. Additionally, the presence of excess tissue can create a more favorable environment for bacteria, contributing to the risk of infection. Studies have consistently shown a higher incidence of SSIs in obese patients, regardless of the type of surgery performed. This underscores the importance of recognizing obesity as an individual risk factor that should be accounted for during preoperative assessments and in the development of a patient care plan. Proper management strategies, including weight loss programs and enhanced surgical techniques, can help mitigate these risks in obese patients.