I had a microdiscecetomy l5-s1 2 weeks ago. i developed a seroma. it was drained yesterday and has returned. is this common? what can i expect?

Not usually: Patients who are heavier tend to develop seromas more often. Drains placed during surgery often prevent this. However a microdiscectomy is usually done with a very small incision and therefore drains are usually not placed. Do you have any associated headaches? Sometimes a CSF leak can present like this.

Lumbar disc: Collections following surgery can be 3 things. 1. Infection 2. Seroma (benign fluid collection from fatty necrosis 3. CSF leak. Either 1, 2, or 3 can be managed, treated and cured so no need to be overly concerned. Seek counsel from your surgeon about all these possibilities and treatment steps.