At our hospital we usually try other alternatives (ie. teaching owner to express glands themselves, medication, or diet) before we'd even suggest such a surgery. However when the glands become impacted or cronically infected, despite other alternatives, then we do recommend surgery to our clients.

In the 6 years I've been there, I've only seen about 6 anal gland removal surgeries, so no it's not the vets specality, however in the ones that's been done we've had only 1 that chewed and we had to re-suture (owner would not keep the e-collar on, and did not call us saying she had a problem until the area was badly infected a WEEK later), and one that a year later had the other gland impacted and we had to go back in to remove that one (dog has been problem free since then), the other dogs had no complications and have had no problems since.

My recommendation would be, that if you are hesitant, seek a second opinion. A good vet should not have a problem with you wanting to seek reassurance (as the pet's bets interests should be first) or a possible alternative treatment that he/she may not know about. Vets do attend seminars and such to keep on top of the latest treatments available in the field, however he/she could not possibly go to every seminar and keep up with the vast amount of information out there.

Good luck