The Authors report their experience in the treatment of primary inguinal hernias using Trabucco's tension-free technique. Since April 1998 to June 2002 four hundred and fifteen patients (399 men and 16 women) were treated in our Department for primary inguinal hernia. The results demonstrate the efficacy of this technique in reducing post-operative complications and in preventing relapses. The reduction of costs is related to a shorter hospitalization and an earlier return to work.