Balderston performed similar surgeries on former Flyers Mark Howe and Rick Tocchet when they were veterans.
"Both came back and played well," he said.
Pronger's surgery was similar to the procedure goalie Michael Leighton underwent last year. Leighton had some discomfort during the season, but he played well in the AHL.
In six weeks, Pronger, 36, who has six years remaining on his contract, will start a core-strengthening program, Holmgren said.
Balderston estimated that Pronger would be able to skate in a couple of weeks - if he desired - and that he could start absorbing contact in six weeks.
"It's not career-threatening," the doctor said.
Balderston called the injury "very painful, and once it's alleviated, the player feels like he has a second life."
It was the fourth surgery performed on Pronger in 91/2 months. He also had surgery on his foot, hand, and knee.
Before the surgery, Pronger said he was glad "the year from hell" was coming to a close.
"Hopefully, a good summer of training and rehab on the various issues I've had this year will rectify all those" problems, he said, "and I can come into camp next year in a lot better shape, a lot healthier, and able to hopefully play 82 games next year."
This season, Pronger played in just 50 games - third fewest in his 17-year career - and three playoff games.
Holmgren said that Versteeg had surgery to repair two tears in his abdominal wall, and that he would begin rehab in 10 days.
Six Flyers have undergone operations in the last two days. On Wednesday, Leighton (hip), Mike Richards (wrist), Blair Betts (finger), and Andrej Meszaros (wrist) underwent procedures.
Holmgren expects to learn Friday whether Jeff Carter and Scott Hartnell need hip surgery.
With all these ailing bodies, it now seems remarkable that the Flyers finished 47-23-12 this season before a poor playoff showing.
Contact staff writer Sam Carchidi at 215-854-5181 or scarchidi@phillynews.com. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/BroadStBull
