Objective To compare the efficacy and complications of early transabdominal preperitoneal patch (TAPP) implantation and open tension-free repair in the treatment of adult inguinal hernia .Methods 84 adult patients with inguinal hernia were divided into two groups by random number table ,and 42 cases in each group .The control group was given Lichtenstein technique ,while the observation group underwent TAPP .The surgery situation, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores,postoperative morbidity and recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.Results The operative time,ambulation time,average length staying hospital and postoperative VAS scores of the observation group were (42.21 ±3.13) min,(1.13 ±0.21) d,(4.28 ±0.62) d and (2.28 ±0.22) points,which were significantly less than (65.72 ±3.62)min,(2.03 ±0.30)d,(7.87 ±0.83)d and (4.56 ±0.31) points of the control group(t=7.29,8.02,8.32,9.29,all P<0.05).The incidence rate of postoperative complica-tions and recurrence rate of the observation group were 11.90% and 2.38%,which were significantly lower than 26.19%and 16.66%of the control group(χ2 =12.52,14.39,all P<0.05).Conclusion The effect of TAPP in the treatment of adult inguinal hernia is remarkable ,and it is safe and minimally invasive ,which is easy to operate ,it has low recurrence rate ,rapid postoperative recovery and has better clinical value .