
Purpose: To identify and analyze the prevalence of hernia recurrence in patients operated with the Lichtenstein technique at the Onofre Lopes University Hospitalof the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in 2007, and analyze the data in relation to the possible causes. Methods: An observational study, descriptive, retrospective, analysis of prevalence, which was approved by the HUOL Ethics Committee053713/2012. Initially, we performed a study of patients undergoing primary inguinal hernia repair by the Lichtenstein technique, by searching the computer program MV 2000® that is used to mark surgical procedures. Later, research was carried out of the records in the Medical Records and Statistics Service / Onofre Lopes University Hospital during November 2012 to April 2013, and collected data from patients who met the inclusion criteria, and completed a structured form data extraction. Results: Among the 369 patient records studied, 53 were excluded because did not meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a 316 patients study sample. Among all patients analyzed, it was not found any recurrence after 5 years of surgery. The average age was 52,09 years, 23,52% had a family history in first-degree relatives, 23,58% were active smoking and 59,17% were involved in professions related to the great efforts. Conclusion: It was found that in 5 years follow-up there was no recurrence after inguinal hernia repair by Liechtenstein technique. Further studies should be carried out, aiming to know whether this technique should be the first choice in relation to low postoperative recurrence rate.