Objective To retrospectively analyze the risk factors of recurrent groin hernia. Methods Data came from all hernia repairs recorded in our hospital between 1991 and 2001. A total of 1 082 cases of groin hernia was analyzed through Cox proportional hazard model to determine the relative risks between recurrence and mode of admission, types of groin hernia, repair methods (traditional/tension free hernioplasty), and post operative complications.Results From 1991 to 2001,1 082 groin hernia operations were performed in our hospital, 88.9% for primary hernia and 11.2% for recurrent hernia. As compared with traditional hernia repair methods, Lichtenstein’s tension free hernioplasty technique had less relative risk for recurrent hernia repair than that for primary hernia repair. Postoperative complications and indirect hernia were linked to an increased relative risk for recurrence. Conclusion There are many factors affecting the recurrence of inguinal hernia, but the use of tension free hernia repair may decrease re recurrence of recurrent hernia.