Question: I have been having intense leg pain after a hemilaminectomy at L4-L5, so just had an MRI, w/ and w/o contrast. Can you explain what the following means and if there is anything they do about this. I am a 38 year old female who is so exhausted by 2 years of back pain:
"Evidence of postoperative changes are present secondary to a left-sided hemilaminectomy at L4-L5. Abnormal T2 prolongation is identified within the parasagittal posterior soft tissue regions consistent with postoperative inflammatory changes. In addition, smoothly marginated, slightly lobulated fluid collection is identified within the posterior central soft tissue region just behind the posterior spinous processes of L2 and L3 vertebral bodies. Inferiorly, this collection appears to extend to the level of the L4-5 disk space. This collection measures approximately 3.5 x 4.6 x 2.3 cm in AP, height, and transverse diameters respectively. After administration of contrast media, mild enhancement of this soft tissue from post operative changes is seen surrounding the fluid collection. The fluid collection may or may not be infected. There is no direct communication between the fluid collection and the spinal canal".

Thanks so much for your help!
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Do they typically drain with a needle percutaneously, or do they have to go in to drain it due to the location? Is it likely to refill after being drained, or is that not typical because that healing stage of the surgery is over?

Thanks again!