Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is where they make a couple of very small cuts -- one for the repairing tools, and one for the little camera lens on a bendy tube. They use an on-screen camera image to see what they're doing, rather than just cutting a big hole and having a proper shufti.
Victoria, I hate to say this, but one of my good friends had this happen, and it was two full years before she was fully back to normal...or as back to normal as she will be. But her entire Achilles tendon popped right off the bone, which is a very big deal. I don't know if this is what your husband has.
The acute phase of the disability went on for about six months. Best wishes for a quick recovery!
