Spinal fusion - L1 down into Pelvis - success stories?

Hi,
Spinal fusion strongly recommended for my husband - from L1 down into pelvis.
We have little info as to what to expect. Can you help? Also success stories would be good as alternatives are not on the horizon.

He had a burst L3 two years ago and has had to have several surgeries since. The last was a sinovial cyst in S1/L5 area pressing on his nerves that caused painful sciatica. It had to be removed - then 3 months later grew back 400% due to too much pressure.
So we are told he now needs a full on fusion into his pelvis (into sacrum won't work, bone too soft.) We really like his highly respected surgeon.