Objective To study the superiority and efficiency of total peritoneum intraperitoneal onlay mesh (TPIPOM) in laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty. Methods One hundred and five cases of laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty with TPIPOM and 34 cases of inguinal hernioplasty with trans-abdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic mesh repair (TAPP) were performed from January 2002 to August 2005. Perioperative data and follow-up results were collected and compared in two groups. Results The laparoscopic hernioplasty was successfully performed in all patients. The total operation time, hospital stay, average off-bed time, duration of pain in TPIPOM group were significant shorter than those in TAPP group 〔(30.8±10.3) min vs (68.4±22.4) min, (3.8±1.3) d vs (4.3±1.5) d, (1.2±0.5) d vs (1.8±0.7) d, (1.0±0.5) d vs (1.6±0.9) d, respectively〕, P＜0.01, the total hospital cost was RMB 5 000.8±800.5 in TPIPOM group and that was RMB 8 000.5±950.6 in TAPP group (P＜0.01). No significant scrotal edema was observed postoperatively and no recurrence reported during (18.6±8.9) months follow-up in both groups. Conclusion Laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty with TPIPOM is safe and efficacy with advantages of mini-invasion, simple procedures, shorter operation time, no complications and better recovery.