As a former venomoid owner, I have to say that there are a lot of myths about venomoid surgery.
Let me start with saying that my view on the subject has evolved and now I also do not like the idea of venomoids unless there is a "real" educational reason behind the procedure.
My reason behind getting one was to get the training I needed by myself without working with a mentor as I had none around. I treated the animal as a venomous snake and it worked fine. I later sold the venomoid to someone else, who had the same mentality. But looking back, I still shouldn't have done it as it is animal cruelty like declawing cats, debarking dogs etc.
However, if the surgery is done properly (anesthesia, life support, antibiotics etc.) by a licensed veterinarian:
-Both venom glands and ducts are removed.
-Regeneration is impossible, there is not a single documented case on properly altered animals.
-Most of the snakes, which have undergone the surgery, survive.
-If the animal is conditioned to f/t rodents, they keep feeding fine.
-The snakes digest their prey items fully.
-The longevity is still a question due to not enough data but under proper care, these snakes live a regular life. I have personally seen snakes that over 10 yrs old.
-Even scarring is avoided with proper surgery techniques.
Noting all of the above, this is still major organ surgery for no reason than being able to say "I have a cobra." and in my "evolved" personal opinion, I think it should be frowned upon. If you cannot take care of a cobra, do not get one. If you don't have a mentor nearby to train you and you are really passionate about this hobby, then move to another place. Also, under most jurisdictions, a venomoid snake is still considered venomous and is subjected to the same laws.
Ps:
I have dug around a bit for a picture and here is the snake in question:
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