ObjectiveTo evaluate the curative effect of individualized tension-free hernia repair surgery in the treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 31 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia treated by tension-free hernia repair surgery between August 2008 and August 2013. Among them, four underwent hernia ring pure mesh plug filling repair, 19 underwent modified Lichtenstein operation, and 8 underwent routine peritoneal clearance. ResultsPostoperative complications included one case of incision infection, 3 of incision seroma, 2 of incision scrotal hematoma, and one of urinary retention. The patients recovered well postoperatively, and the length of hospital stay ranged from 5 to 7 days. Follow-up was done for 25 patients with a time period of 4 to 38 months, averaging (10±13) months. No chronic pain or recurrence occurred during the follow-up. ConclusionIndividualized optimal treatment options of operation time and method according to patients' conditions, and simple, effective and accurate operation can get out of the dilemma of repeated recurrences.