2 large abdom. incisional hernias. surgeon to decide technique (open or lap) once he's "inside" with camera. how long for recovery with both methods?

2-8 weeks: The standard recovery for most abdominal laparoscopic surgery is about 2 weeks before you feel more or less normal. The usual for open abdominal surgery is 6-8 weeks. You may still have limitations placed on you by your surgeon (i.e., activity or weight restrictions), but the above should be more or less true.

Variable: Pain for both procedures may be about the same at first, but should resolve faster with laparoscopic surgery. May stay in the hospital a few days if prolonged surgery or needing a large incision, and maybe a longer recovery too. Likely 6-8 weeks no heavy work or exercise. Please review your questions in detail with your surgeon prior to the operation.