My cousin in LA has a yorkie with severe trachea collapse and both her vets discouraged the operation. They said it's the worst trachea they have ever seen. Her pup just coughed and coughed. She has her pup on meds that are working great! I don't know what they are but she is very happy since starting them. We have a few friends that have refused the operation too, it's really just a patch and then not long after another area collapses and you're back to sqaure one, at least that's how I have heard it described. Maybe get another Vets opinion before your final decision? You can PM me anytime.
