Objective To summarize the characteristics and laparoscopic surgical experience of inguinal hernia in female patients. Methods 31 female patients with inguinal hernia underwent transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair. Drainage tube was placed routinely during surgery. Results Two cases with femoral hernia were misdiagnosed as indirect inguinal hernia, and two cases were complicated with uterine round ligament cyst. The contents of femoral hernia sacs consisted of small intestinal walls in 4 cases, appendix in one case, greater omentum in 9 cases, epiploic appendices in 5 cases and adnexa in two cases. In 2 of 4 cases with the contents of small intestinal walls, the small intestinal infarction was found and the intestinal resection and anastomosis with assistant incision was performed. The infarcted ovarian was removed in one case with the contents of adnexa. Staple fixation of mesh was performed for one patient with direct inguinal hernia and mesh without fixation for the rest. Hematoma, seroma and obvious pain were not observed in any of cases after surgery. And no complications occurred including injuries of abdominal viscera, infection, ileus, postoperative bleeding and urinary retention. Conclusions The most common type of inguinal hernia is incarcerated femoral hernia in the female. And the transabdominal preperitoneal repair is a safe, effective and reliable approach for female patients with inguinal hernia.

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