OBJECTIVE:To summarizethe application of polypropylene repair material in treating inguinal hernia.METHODS:Papers regarding polypropylene repair material in treating inguinal hernia published in VIP data between January 1998 and October 2009 were researched using key words of "polypropylene,inguinal hernia,and complication".Inclusion criteria Repairing inguinal hernia using polypropylene materials.Experimental results concerning related complications.Exclusion criteria:repetitive study and relatively old literature.A total of 17 documents were included in this study.RESULTS:Organic polymeric materials were clinical utilized in repairing inguinal hernia at the end of 1950s.The polypropylene patch was knitted by slngle fiber or multi-strands fibers of polypropylene,and exhibited single layer network structures,which is preferred material for repairing abdominal-wall defect.Compared with other unabsorble materials,the polypropylene patch had following advantage:obviously stimulating fibroplasias; easy permeated by fibrous tissues and embedded into tissues; maintaining highly tensile strength following implantation; and relative low cost.Few material-related complications occurred following repairing,mainly presented with infection,serofiuid swelling,ankylenteron,intestinal leakage,material displacement,as well as material shrinkage.CONCLUSION:Polypropylene material is an ideal repair material due to good histocompatibility,few rejections,and anti-infection capability.It leads to easy operation,small trauma,fast recovery and few complications in repairing defects.