Not a vet, but my pony had colic surgery this past Christmas. I don’t know if I would do it again.
To be honest, I think it was harder on me than on him. It was hard to see him those few days after surgery, they feel like crap. He developed a massive incisional infection 11 days after surgery. He came home 3 weeks post-op and my husband and I performed nearly minor surgery in the barn every night for 5 months trying to keep his gaping incision flushed and clean. The other option I was offered if we weren’t comfortable caring for his incision was 3-4 months of hospitalization care ($$$$$). Even with bringing him home and doing the care ourselves, the cost was almost 3x the original estimate all in, which we were not prepared for. He wore the belly band for almost 6 months, on strict stall rest. I fed him every 6 hours around the clock for 4 months - by myself. It was really hard.
The pony is an incredible creature and handled it all perfectly. The infection did not make him systemically ill. If he was not an angel on earth - I am not sure it would have even been possible.
He had a small intestine resection and anastomosis. He lost 7 feet of small intestine. While waiting for the call from the operating suite to decide if we would continue or not - I decided if he needed a resection I would put him down. The surgeon told me he was confident he could save him and to please let him finish - so we did. He is better than ever now. Truly more full of life and happiness than I have ever seen him. He is so special.
Therefore - I don’t know if I would do it again. I truly don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, and no one should shame for whatever you chose is right for you and your situation. Having a pre-determined plan ahead of time definitely helps keep you thinking straight in a very emotionally charged moment.