Objectives: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the cornerstones of general surgery practice. This is a randomized non-controlled prospective study that aims to compare between the open Lichtenstein technique and the laparoscopic intra-peritoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) technique for inguinal hernia repair. Patients and Methods: Thirty adult males presenting with inguinal hernias were randomly allocated into one of two groups (A & B). Group A patients (n=15) underwent hernia repair using the open Lichtenstein technique, whereas Group B patients (n=15) underwent repair using the laparoscopic IPOM technique. All patients were followed up for 1 year and seven intra-operative / postoperative items were observed in both groups. Results: The operative time and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in group B (P = 0.003 and 0.041, respectively). There was a higher rate of intra-operative complications in group A (P = 0.002). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in group B at 24 hours after the operation (P = 0.008). Group B patients also demonstrated better results in terms of patient satisfaction and time to return to work (P = 0.012 and 0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Both the open Lichtenstein and the laparoscopic IPOM techniques appear to be relatively safe and effective for inguinal hernia repair over the short term. However, the laparoscopic IPOM technique is associated with a shorter operative time, much less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, an earlier return to work and a higher level of patient satisfaction. Key Words: Inguinal hernia - Repair – Lichtenstein - Intra-peritoneal onlay mesh.