Objective To investigate the optimal surgical approach for bilateral inguinal hernias and complex (recurrent and compound) inguinal hernia. Methods Data of eighty patients with bilateral inguinal hernias and (or) complex inguinal hernias treated by tension less hernia repair between Feb. 2007 and Jun. 2010 in Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital were analyzed. Preperitoneal approach through inferior abdominal median incision was applied in the repair with local, lumbar or epidural anesthesia. Results Operation time was （30±10.2） min in unilateral hernia, （50±17.5） min in bilateral hernia. There was no ischemic orchitis or pain case after operation. Within 3 months following up, no recurrence occurred. Conclusion The preperitoneal approach through inferior abdominal median incision for inguinal hernia repair is proved to be effective, safe, and convenient, and especially fit for bilateral hernias and complex hernia.