The paper evaluates the results of the surgical therapy of primary inguinal hernia in adult subjects performed in our Institution from 1994 to 2000. The Trabucco and Lichtenstein procedures were compared. Two hundred and fifteen patients--123 Trabucco and 92 Lichtenstein--were enrolled in the study. A file was created for each patient with details of personal data, procedures, anaesthesia and postoperative course. A form regarding the present state of each patient was filled in, mainly by phone, but sometimes by physical examination, if patients complained of problems. The results were evaluated statistically using the Fisher f and X2 tests. Only four parameters showed significant differences: wound swelling, constipation and days off work were less frequent with the Trabucco procedure, while there was less loss of the foreign body sensation in the Lichtenstein patients (6.7% vs. 18.3%). No recurrences were detected. The results of the two procedures can be considered comparable.