My elderly dad is in hospital after suffering chest pains just over a week ago.
Ecg seems ok etc.

He has however suffered from protate problems for several years and 2 years ago
underwent an op as could not pass any urine. He obstinately waited a few days
not telling anyone and apparently some damage was done because of that delay
(not sure exacty what). He is now on a permenant course of antibiotics for a
persistent bladder infection.

Anyway, in hospital they discovered he is not passing the volume of liquid
expected so they have inserted a catheter as a drain.

I have a couple of questions I'd appreaciate the groups expertise on.

1) How can a prostate problem like this cause such extreme stress to the heart
(which the hospital seem to think might be the case - I think)?  I can
understand strain on the kidneys.

2) Latest news is that they wish to wait a few weeks to give his heart time to
recover and may then consider a prostat op. to (I guess) remove it. He is 79
years old so there are obvious risks. I read on the web that keyhole surgery is
now possible to do this op. - is this widely available? Or are only certain
places offering it?

I don't live near my father which is why I cannot get answers directly from the
hospital - and I get mixed messages from him.

Thanks for any information on this.