Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
I have read your query and understand the problem.
This hernia over stomach which you are talking about could be
umbilical hernia or inguinal hernia but it is very difficult to comment on any particular hernia without proper clinical examination.
Since hernia has become over-sized softball then your brother must see gastro-surgeon immediately to evaluate it further.
The doctor will try to identify whether this hernia is reducible or not after carefully examination of the local area.
In most of severe hernia cases,surgery is the only and most effective treatment and there is no much role of conservative treatment.
Your brother's breathing problem must be evaluated by MD physician or pulmonologist to detect the exact underlying cause.
Before sorting out this breathing issue,physician will not give medical fitness for spinal
anesthesia or his operation (open surgery or laproscopic surgery).
So,he should see GI specialist immediately.
Regards,