Best Hernia Surgery Option for active 26yo

I have been diagnosed with a small but annoying inguinal hernia.  My internist - which confirmed my research - said most are done Laparoscopically and with a mesh.

Nevertheless the surgeon he referred me to said he cant do it Laparoscopically because he would "never staple mesh to a 26 year olds pelvis".  And 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.  

Can anyone confirm any of this?  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)