Abstract The recurrence rate for primary inguinal hernia operated on in this series was 12·2 per cent. The recurrence rate is higher for direct inguinal hernia (16 per cent) than for indirect (11 per cent). Those cases operated on by less experienced surgeons had recurrence more frequently (17 per cent) than those operated on by senior surgeons (9 per cent). The incidence of hernia occurring in the opposite side is high: 44 per cent in the case of direct hernia and 21 per cent in the case of indirect hernia. The prospects of a second or third successful operation are good. Only 2 patients (less than 1 per cent) in this series remain uncured; they are well controlled by a truss. The recurrence rate for femoral hernia is low. There was no difference in the time off work between those cases that did or did not subsequently have a recurrence. No relationship between recurrence rate and age was demonstrated.