PurposeThe best operative management of groin hernia in adolescents is uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to assess recurrence and chronic pain after mesh versus non-mesh repair for groin hernia in adolescents.MethodsA systematic search was done in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL in May 2022 for studies reporting postoperative chronic pain (≥6 months) or recurrence after groin hernia repair in adolescents aged 10–17 years. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies on primary unilateral or bilateral groin hernia repair. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis of the incidence of recurrence was conducted. This review is reported according to PRISMA guideline.ResultsA total of 21 studies including 3,816 adolescents with groin hernias were included comprising two randomized controlled trials, six prospective, and 13 retrospective cohort studies. For non-mesh repairs, the weighted mean incidence proportion of recurrence was 1.6% (95% CI 0.6–2.5) after 2,167 open repairs and 1.9% (95% CI 1.1–2.8) after 1,033 laparoscopic repairs. For mesh repairs, it was 0.6% (95% CI 0.0–1.4) after 406 open repairs while there were no recurrences after 347 laparoscopic repairs (95% CI 0.0–0.6). Across all surgical techniques, the rate of chronic pain after 1,153 repairs ranged from 0 to 11%. Follow-up time varied and was reported in various ways.ConclusionThe incidences of recurrence after groin hernia repair in adolescents were low for both open and laparoscopic mesh and non-mesh repairs. Rates of postoperative chronic pain were low.Trial registrationPROSPERO: CRD42022130554.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00423-023-02947-9.