The authors describe their survey carried out on 875 patients operated on for inguinal hernia between 1984 and 1989. 412 of these patients were checked in the out-patients' department after a minimum 2 year period. The regular check-up parameters were assessed, paying particular attention to the problem of recurrence. This occurred in 47 patients, which is equal to 11% of the total for the Bassini and Postempski techniques, and 8.9% for the Shouldice method. On first observation, statistical data analysis carried out on the results obtained, do not show any significant differences. However, notwithstanding the fact that the authors are at the initial stages with chances of varying results, important data have emerged in favour of the canadian technique.