Final answer:
A severe complication of laparoscopic surgery is injury to internal organs, which may necessitate conversion to laparotomy. In the context of bariatric surgery, risks include various surgical complications, while benefits extend to improvements in various health conditions related to obesity.
Step-by-step explanation:
A potential severe complication during laparoscopic surgery is an injury to the bowel, bladder, or vessels. Such injuries can be significant because they may require conversion to a more invasive procedure, known as laparotomy, to correct any damage. The risk of needing a laparotomy after a laparoscopic injury is not precisely defined as it varies depending on multiple factors including the type of procedure, the skill level of the surgeon, and patient-specific variables.
When discussing bariatric surgery, which is a specific type of laparoscopic surgery, major potential risks include bleeding, infection, leaks from the site where the intestines are sewn together or stapled, blood clots, and complications due to anesthesia and preexisting conditions. However, bariatric surgery also presents significant benefits beyond weight loss, such as improvements in type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea among others.