BACKGROUND: The AA. compared the preliminary results of two different methods of inguinal hernioplasty: one using only the mesh (Lichtenstein) and the other one using both mesh and plug (Rutkow-Robbins). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients were randomly allocated into two groups, 35 patients each one, to receive either a Licthenstein mesh or a Rutkow-Robbins plug and mesh for primary monolateral groin hernia. RESULTS: Follow-up was planned at 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgery. The Authors evaluated early and late complications i.e.: the presence of parasthesia, postoperative pain and the incidence of recurrence. The results were analized statistically using the Fisher and χ2 tests. CONCLUSIONS: Data parameters did not show statistically significative differences between the two groups (p>0.05). No recurrences were detected. The Authors concluded that no advantage may derivate by an additional plug to the single mesh hernia repair.