My friend is a 47 year old male with cystic fibrosis.
He developed a hernia after having emergency abdominal surgery. (Complications after a routine colonoscopy perforated the colon and caused a severe infection.)
The hernia is causing him alot of pain. He consulted with two surgeons who told him he could not have the surgery because of his CF.
Do you think one of your techniques that can be done without generalized anesthesia--a spinal or a epidural might be possible for him?
Thank you so much.

While some Incisional Hernias can be repaired under local anesthesia and sedation, larger and more complex incisional hernias require general anesthesia. The decision can only be made after a complete evaluation and comprehensive examination.

CF is not an absolute contra-indication to general anesthesia. ALthough the risks of pulmonary complications in patients with C.F. are higher, aggressive pre-operative stabilization and preparation in patients with controlled lung disease can reduce these increased risks. If the hernia is progressively problematic, "elective" repair under these controlled circumstances is far better than allowing the hernia to go untreated with the eventual need for far more risky emergency surgery for complications such as incarceration or strangulation. Sorting all of this out is the reason for complete and comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond just the 'hernia', but is more holistic in its approach.