Best inguinal surgery option for 26yo

I am an active 26yo male.  I have been diagnosed with a small but annoying/painful inguinal hernia.  My research seems to say said most are done Laparoscopically and with a mesh.

Nevertheless the surgeon my internist referred me to said he cant do it Laparoscopically because he would "never staple mesh to a 26 year old's pelvis".  Continuing to say mesh should be avoided and should only be used in bad/recurrent cases.  He also said any use of mesh can lead to chronic pain.  He wants to do the shouldice method which just stitches the muscles back together but have a direct incision.  This seems to be much more rare but has benefits.  Some of my research confirms this - but the mesh still seems to be preferred. I went back to my internist who said that the surgeon knows what he's doing and is good - but a 2nd opinion couldn't hurt.

What seems to be the normal practice for someone in my situation? I obviously want to get it right - but I would also like to reduce scarring and post op time - I am pretty active (tons of walking/lifting/etc)

[Kevin Pho, MD]

This is a question better suited to a general surgeon, and not a gastroenterologist.

Hence, I'm not really qualified to answer it.

I'll contact the administration for a refund.

Thanks,
Kevin