A randomized prospective study was conducted. Four groups of patients were constituted: (1) TEP with mesh fixation (2) TEP without fixation, (3) TAPP with mesh fixation, (4) TAPP without fixation. 120 patients were randomized to each group. The principal outcomes assessed were postoperative chronic groin pain assessed by visual analogue pain scale (VAS), hernia recurrence, other morbidity rates and hospital costs. Patients were reviewed in outpatient unit at 1 week and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months.