Should I learn how to drain my dog's glands myself or get them surgically removed?

My super cool 45lb female dog feels discomfort in her rectal area until the glands just beneath that spot leak out about 1/4 cup of clear fluid. The liquid is mildly pungent but doesn't smell like feces. I don't know what the glands do. The vet says many dogs experience this and they can be surgically removed (very expensive) but I don't think surgery is good for an animal--it's very traumatic and difficult to prevent infection. The alternative is to learn how to drain them myself but that's kinda wierd to me--I didn't get her for that purpose lol. I like cuddling with my dog but not squeezing her . What would you do? Should I force my 9 year old step son to help out?