In the study, researchers used a questionnaire, called the Carolinas Comfort Scale, to assess quality of life with such questions as whether patients feel a "sensation of mesh" after surgery or pain or movement limitations during daily activities.

WSJ: A Secret for Patients Undergoing Hernia Repair

However, simply witnessing pain was not enough to stimulate the pain centres that register the actual physical sensation of hurt.

BBC: Men and women reported similar levels of pain