What Causes Numbness In The Hand And Ankle?

Hi , My father in law just gone through spinal decompression surgery as he was loosing senses in his right rankle and hand. recovery is fine, but we realized that he has lost bowel control now. Doctors advised that it is post surgery traumatic experience and it would recover with time and he will get the bowel control senses back. Is it normal and true after spine surgery? Right now whenever he stands, the stool passes involuntary and he gets only the sense of it but cant control. Please help and advise