[louisc]

My father has matastisized prostate cancer somes nodes up spine. He had to stop chemo therapy a month ago because of complications.
A TURP was performed 2 weeks ago, we've taken out the catheda 2 times since then and he can't void his bladder. FYI, he had a TURP 2 years ago.
Any suggestions?
thanks for any help
louis

[UROMD]

Urinary retention is caused by a combination of two factors. First, there can be an obstruction to the flow of urine such as an enlarged prostate. Second, the bladder muscle itself may become weak. If the bladder is too weak, it won't matter if the obstruction is alleviated because the bladder can't generate the force needed to empty. This could be the problem you describe. Unfortunately we really don't have any effetive medication for a weak bladder. Some times with continued catheter drainage the bladder will regain it's tone and function after a matter of time. Also, if someone is debilitated from a medical illness and is generally weak, this can contribute as well. In this case if their strength improves we sometimes see improved bladder function as well.