My father was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome. what does this mean?

Let me explian: After the conus medullaris, the canal contains a mass of nerves (the cauda equina or "horse-tail") that branches off the lower end of the spinal cord and contains the nerve roots from l1-5 and s1-5. The nerve roots from l4-s4 join in the sacral plexus which affects the sciatic nerve, which travels caudally (toward the feet).

Cauda Equina: This condition usually occurs suddenly, and presents with saddle anesthessia (numbness in your buttock region as if you were sitting on a saddle) and overflow incontinence of urine. There may also be pain and weakness. This condition requires emergent surgery to have the best recovery of function.