Preemptive analgesia is an antinociceptive treatment that prevents the establishment of altered processing of afferent input which amplifies postoperative pain. It was first formulated by Crile who advocated regional blocks in addition to general anesthesia to prevent intraoperative nociception and formation of painful scars. There are three definitions of preemptive analgesia: treatment starting before surgery to prevent central sensitization caused by incisional injury; treatment preventing central sensitization caused by incisional and inflammatory injuries; and treatment covering the period of surgery and initial postoperative period. While some studies found no difference between preincisional and postincisional treatment, others reported modest benefits with preincisional analgesia.