Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) herniorrhaphy and Lichtenstein onlay patch repair for inguinal hernia. Methods: The clinical data of 120 patients with inguinal hernia undergoing surgical treatment from December 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively collected. Of the patients, 53 cases received laparoscopic TAPP repair (TAPP group) and 67 cases underwent Lichtenstein procedure (Lichtenstein group). The main clinical variables between the two groups of patients were analyzed and compared. Results: In TAPP group compared with Lichtenstein group, the operative time (52.2 min vs. 79.6 min), time to postoperative food intake (12.2 h vs. 20.5 h) and ambulation (9.6 h vs. 21.8 h) as well as length of hospital stay (3.9 d vs. 6.1 d) were all reduced (all P<0.05). The cost of treatment (6 632.7 yuan vs. 3 853.7 yuan) was increased (P<0.05). No statistical difference was noted in intraoperative blood loss, incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: For inguinal hernia, laparoscopic TAPP repair is less invasive compared with Lichtenstein technique, and is also safe and reliable. So it is a favorable treatment option in clinical practice.