Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) for recurrent inguinal hernia after Lichtenstein hernioplasty. Methods: The clinical data of 12 patients with recurrent inguinal hernia after Lichtenstein surgery undergoing laparoscopic TAPP procedure between May 2009 and March 2014 in Xiangya Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Laparoscopic surgery was successfully performed in the entire group of patients, without any open conversion. The mean operative time was (110±25) min, and seroma occurred in 2 patients, which was resolved by needle aspiration. All patients recovered and were discharged from hospital within postoperative 48 h, and no re-recurrence was noted so far. Conclusion: Laparoscopic TAPP procedure is a safe and effective method in management of recurrent inguinal hernia after Lichtenstein repair.