Objective To summarize the clinical efficacy of Millikan's modified modality using tension-free mesh-plug inguinal herniorrhaphy. Methods A retrospective study was performed in 185 cases with in-guinal hernias. They received surgical treatment using Millikan's modality in our hospital from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2006. Results There were 184 males and 1 female in these patients with a average age of 47 years ( range 32 - 75 years). Among them, 7 cases had bilateral hernia. The mean operative time of each hernia was 49 min (range 30 -70 min), and the average postoperative hospital stay was 5. 1 days (range 3 - 18 d). The complication rate was 10. 8% (20/185). All patients had no recurrence after following-up over 24 months. Conclusion Millikan's modified mesh-plug hemioplasty is a safe and effective modality in the pri-mary inguinal hernia repair, and has fewer complications and lower recurrence rate.