Fig. 3. Mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores over 24 h for preemptive versus postincisional treatment. Each point represents an individual trial. 9(A ) Single-dose epidural regimens. Results from the 11 treatment arms. (B ) Continuous epidural regimens extending into the postoperative period. Results from the eight studies. LA = local anesthetic. (C ) Local anesthetic wound infiltration. Results from the 15 trials where pain scores were available.