Due to reasons unrelated to safety; primary endpoint signal seen during pre-specified interim analysis.

The purpose of this prospective, blinded assessor, randomized trial is to assess opioid use and patient-reported outcomes of EXPAREL as a foundation in postsurgical pain therapy in Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) infiltration in lower abdominal surgical procedures.

The purpose of this prospective, blinded assessor, randomized trial is to assess opioid use and patient-reported outcomes of EXPAREL as a foundation in postsurgical pain therapy in Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) infiltration in lower abdominal surgical procedures; primary endpoint signal seen during pre-specified interim analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females >18 years of age
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1-3
• Undergoing either lower abdominal surgery defined as Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (female), Laparoscopic Myomectomy (female), Laparoscopic Colectomy (male/female)
• Physically and mentally able to give full informed consent to participate in this study and complete all study assessments within the timeframes required (including electronic diaries should patient be discharged prior to day 4)
• Capable of returning the diary after POD 4 by mail (preferably) or upon follow up visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions to amide-type local anesthetics.
• Any patient whose anatomy, or surgical procedure, in the opinion of the Investigator, might preclude the potential successful local administration of EXPAREL.
• Patients who have received any investigational drug within 30 days prior to EXPAREL administration, or planned administration of another investigational product or procedure during their participation in this study.
• Any chronic condition requiring use of opioids for treatment of a medical condition for 2 weeks or more prior to surgery.
• Confirmed pregnancy at time of enrollment or breast feeding (females of child-bearing potential).
• Patients that would constitute a contraindication to participation in the study, or cause inability to comply with the study requirements.
• Any patient with diagnosed or potential metastatic disease.
• Any condition that in the investigator's opinion might be harmed or be a poor candidate for participation in the study (such as patients requiring long acting opioids as part of the induction medications).
• Initiation of treatment with any of the following medications within 1 month of study drug administration or if the medication(s) are being given to control pain: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, pregabalin (Lyrica®), or duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
• History of suspected or known addiction to, or abuse of, illicit drug(s), prescription medicine(s), or alcohol within the past 2 years.