Surgeon and hernia specialist in Vienna
Expert hernia repair in Vienna – inguinal, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernias – using minimally invasive laparoscopic (TAPP) and robotic da Vinci surgery. English-speaking care, prompt surgery dates and leading private hospitals.
My name is Emanuel Sporn – surgeon and hernia specialist in Vienna
As a surgeon board certified in general, visceral and vascular surgery, I established myself early on as an expert in minimally invasive abdominal surgery.
I specialise in hernia surgery – the repair of abdominal wall hernias such as inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias, as well as hiatal hernias and reflux. Over the years I have developed, refined and perfected state-of-the-art surgical techniques for hernia repair in order to achieve the best possible results. This has made me a first point of contact in Vienna for national and international patients who place their trust in my hands – consultations and aftercare are available in English.
My career
I began my broad surgical training in 1997 at the renowned University Hospital for Surgery in Vienna. In 2007 and 2008 I worked at one of the leading and most renowned hernia centers of its time (University of Missouri, Columbia), where I developed new surgical techniques and published them in high-ranking journals – and gained valuable experience alongside the world’s leading hernia experts.
After returning to the University Hospital for Surgery in Vienna, I completed my habilitation (Privatdozent) in 2009 and was appointed Associate Professor in 2012.
Since 2017 I have been fortunate to dedicate myself exclusively to my private patients. In the pleasant, trusting atmosphere of my private practices I can address your concerns individually and guarantee personal care from the first consultation to the final follow-up. I operate on my private patients in the best-equipped private hospitals in Vienna.
No compromises in hernia surgery
State-of-the-art techniques
Laparoscopic keyhole surgery (TAPP) with mesh fixed by tissue glue instead of staples, and the da Vinci surgical robot, allow hernias to be repaired gently and durably. I performed Austria’s first general-surgical robotic da Vinci operation in a private hospital.
Tailored therapy
I master a wide range of techniques for repairing inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias. Choosing the right method gives my patients the best possible results – with little pain and lasting success.
Personal care
I take time for you, explain diagnoses and treatments clearly, and help take away the fear of surgery. After the operation and after your usually very quick discharge, I remain personally available for any questions.
Highest quality standards
I apply the latest scientific evidence and make no compromises on quality. In the operating theatre I consistently use the best instruments, materials and meshes for optimal treatment of your hernia.
Prompt surgery dates
No long waiting lists as in many public hospitals: I offer surgery dates within a few days or weeks, and I am happy to give you information on possible dates by phone in advance.
Decades of experience
More than 25 years of surgical practice and a correspondingly large number of successful operations – supported by a team of very experienced surgeons and anaesthetists.
Which hernia would you like to have treated?
Hiatal hernia & reflux
Another area of specialisation is surgery for hiatal hernia and reflux disease. You will also find detailed information on reflux-chirurgie.at.
The right method for your hernia
For inguinal hernias, laparoscopic TAPP is my preferred method. I often treat umbilical hernias through a small incision at the navel – for very small suitable defects with special sutures alone, otherwise usually using the PUMP method with a mesh between the peritoneum and the abdominal wall. For incisional hernias, the range extends from a small direct access to a more extensive reconstruction of the abdominal wall.
The decisive factors are the location and size of the hernia, your symptoms, previous operations and your state of health. For a suitable finding, open surgery through a small access can be the gentlest solution. I use robotic technology when it offers a meaningful additional benefit for the planned reconstruction.
TAPP for inguinal hernia →PUMP method for umbilical hernia →Robotic hernia surgery →
Personal care from examination to follow-up
I examine you personally, discuss the treatment options and plan the operation in a private hospital with you. You receive clear information on preparation, clarification of costs and recovery. After the operation, I accompany your aftercare and answer your questions about returning to everyday life and sport.
Surgery dates are usually available at short notice, within a few days to a few weeks.
- 1.Consultation and examinationIn person at one of my two practices – please bring any existing findings with you.
- 2.Choice of procedureI explain which operation I recommend for your findings and why.
- 3.Clarification of costs and surgery dateClarification of whether billing is via your private (supplementary) health insurance or an individual cost estimate – Costs and procedure.
- 4.Surgery and aftercareOperation in a private hospital, follow-up check in the practice – After hernia surgery.
Second opinion on hernia surgery
Have you already been recommended an operation, or are you unsure which procedure suits your findings? As part of a second opinion, I assess your symptoms, the examination results and any existing surgical reports. I explain the reasons in favour of an operation, which alternatives exist and which questions should be clarified before deciding.
If possible, please bring any existing findings and the recommendation of the team that has treated you so far. For a hernia that has already been operated on, previous surgical reports are particularly helpful.
I operate exclusively in private hospitals
What my hernia patients say
“The best decision!”
I was fully informed about the procedure during the initial consultation. The operation was carried out by Dr. Sporn in a very professional manner and without any complications. Due to my illness, the operation had to be postponed twice. Dr Sporn showed real understanding and patience. He also found an alternative date very quickly. After the operation, he was always on the phone, dispelling my doubts. Dr Sporn takes his time, explains everything patiently, with humour and clearly – even after repeated questions. He also speaks excellent English. I can absolutely recommend him!
“Bilateral inguinal hernia + umbilical hernia”
I was recently operated on by Dr. Sporn at the Wiener Privatklinik for bilateral inguinal hernias and an umbilical hernia using the TAPP technique. Already at my first appointment in Rosengasse I was convinced by Dr. Sporn’s calm, trustworthy and professional competence. The many great reviews come from outstanding treatment, as I have now experienced myself. Not only wonderful as a person, but also one of the most competent doctors I know. I would put myself in his hands again at any time with complete confidence! A clear recommendation from me. Thank you so much for everything. A clear 5 out of 5 stars – but really, 5 stars are not enough!
“Excellent surgeon – highly recommended!”
I was operated on by Priv. Doz. Dr. Emanuel Sporn for an inguinal hernia and am completely satisfied. Already at the first consultation he took a lot of time, explained everything clearly and immediately gave me the feeling of being in the best hands. His calm, competent and empathetic manner gave me great confidence. The operation went completely smoothly, and the aftercare was excellent too. I had hardly any pain and was fit again sooner than I expected. I especially appreciate how professionally and at the same time humanely Dr. Sporn treats his patients – you can feel that the well-being of each individual truly matters to him. The practice team is also exceptionally friendly and well organised. I can recommend Dr. Sporn without reservation – an outstanding surgeon, both professionally and as a person!
“A very good experience – thank you!”
On 20 April an umbilical hernia was diagnosed. That same day, after some research, I booked an appointment with Dr. Sporn online – for the very next day. After the first consultation I was given 4 May as my surgery date at the Evangelisches Krankenhaus. On the day of surgery I was only in hospital for about 7 hours and could go home the same day. Before the operation I got quite nervous, but Dr. Sporn reassured me so well that I felt safe and in good hands. Apart from moderate pain on the day and minor pain over the next few days, it now feels like sore muscles – much less than I expected! Today (12 May) I had my follow-up appointment, and everything went smoothly. When I was looking for a surgeon, what mattered to me were waiting time, a sense of safety, experience and rapport. Dr. Sporn met all my expectations – if not exceeded them. Thank you – I can only recommend Dr. Sporn!
“Top surgeon”
Having already had a left-sided inguinal hernia repaired with a conventional technique – successfully, but with a painful, lengthy recovery – I researched very thoroughly for an experienced surgeon to treat my now right-sided inguinal hernia minimally invasively. Dr. Emanuel Sporn met my (high) expectations. I can therefore recommend Dr. Emanuel Sporn without reservation. Top surgeon.
“0% complaints, 100% satisfaction”
From start to finish, everything went perfectly with my inguinal hernia! Less than a week passed between the excellent first consultation and the operation. The hospital (Wiener Privatklinik) was top – doctors, nurses, food, surgery and discharge were all really well organised, and it felt more like a 4-star hotel than a hospital. Great praise to everyone! Very special thanks to Dr. Sporn for everything – his warm and competent manner convinced me 100%!
“Umbilical hernia after pregnancy”
I am completely satisfied. Dr. Sporn repaired a small umbilical hernia after my pregnancy. Appointments were always quick and I felt very well looked after! It healed perfectly and gave me back so much quality of life, as my whole abdomen became more stable and compact again. Dr. Sporn even tried to make my navel look the way it did before the hernia. I am very happy with the result!
“Bilateral inguinal hernia”
Got a surgery date quickly after the diagnosis and could choose between several dates. The operation went according to plan. I was able to leave the hospital the same evening. Almost pain-free. Prof. Dr. Sporn is an outstanding surgeon, takes the time needed for the patient and explains everything in an easy-to-understand way. I can only recommend Prof. Dr. Sporn to everyone. Many thanks again.
“Simply good”
I came to Dr. Sporn because of an inguinal hernia together with an umbilical hernia. I got a surgery date within a very short time, and the care before and after the operation was very competent. He was quickly and reliably reachable and always answered every one of my questions. I will definitely recommend him. There was really nothing to complain about!
“Inguinal hernia”
Very competent in every respect. Very empathetic. I am an anxious patient. Dr. Emanuel Sporn knows how to build trust and reduce fear to a minimum. The follow-up discussion and aftercare were also very helpful and reassuring. Good to know there are doctors like this. Highly recommended. Thank you for the comprehensive, excellent care.
“Hernia / diastasis recti”
With a suspected hernia or diastasis recti, I was examined extremely thoroughly and conscientiously by Dr. Emanuel Sporn. I was particularly impressed by his high level of expertise and careful diagnostics. Dr. Sporn took plenty of time, answered all my questions clearly and created a very pleasant, trusting atmosphere throughout the appointment. Although I had come expecting that an operation might be necessary, after a thorough examination he concluded that no procedure was needed. This patient-centred assessment gave me great confidence. You feel very well cared for.
“Inguinal hernia examination”
I had complete trust from the very first moment. Very friendly and competent. Immediate surgery date. I can only recommend Priv. Doz. Dr. Sporn.
“Highly recommended doctor”
I came to Dr. Sporn for a follow-up examination after inguinal hernia surgery. Like the operation itself, the follow-up was carried out to my complete satisfaction.
“Umbilical hernia”
A doctor who can be reached at any time. Excellent surgeon, perfect aftercare.
“Inguinal hernia surgery”
Quick appointment, good advice, little pain after the operation.
“Extremely prompt and helpful”
Dr Sporn was extremely prompt and helpful and precise.
Good to know before your treatment
Do I need any tests before making an appointment?
No, as a rule I do not need any prior tests. In most cases I can make a diagnosis based on my examination in the practice, or initiate further diagnostic steps if necessary. Please still bring all relevant examination results you already have. If you have had previous abdominal operations or hernia operations, I would need the corresponding surgical reports. If you do not have them to hand straight away, you are welcome to send them later.
How can I make an appointment at the practice?
You can choose and book an appointment yourself online via DocFinder. You are also welcome to book an appointment for both practices by phone on +43 1 40180 7010.
How long do I have to wait for a surgery date?
Surgery dates are usually available at short notice, within a few days to a few weeks. I am happy to tell you the next available date by phone (+43 680 330 11 45).
In which hospital can I have my operation?
I operate exclusively in private hospitals – mainly the Wiener Privatklinik, the Privatklinik Confraternität – Goldenes Kreuz and the Evangelisches Krankenhaus.
Do you treat international and English-speaking patients?
Yes. National and international patients alike come to me for hernia surgery in Vienna. Consultations, explanations before surgery and aftercare are all available in English.
How much does hernia surgery cost?
For patients with private insurance that covers the inpatient stay, billing is done directly with the private insurer. Otherwise the operation must be paid by the patient. I am happy to give you information by phone about the approximate costs to be expected (+43 680 330 11 45).
What does the operation cost if I have no private insurance?
In this case the cost depends on the type and size of the hernia, the choice of private hospital, and whether you are covered by Austrian social insurance (e.g. ÖGK, SVS, BVAEB) or not. I am happy to tell you the expected costs personally by phone (+43 680 330 11 45). More on this under Costs and procedure.
Do I have to pay for the consultation myself?
This is a private practice (Wahlarzt). You therefore always pay the consultation fee yourself. If you submit the invoice for the consultation to the Austrian social insurance, you receive – as with all other private doctors (Wahlärzte) – only a very small reimbursement.
Where to find me
Book your appointment online or by phone for either practice. Please bring any previous examination results to your first consultation.
Practice at the Wiener Privatklinik
Lazarettgasse 25, 1090 Vienna
1st floor, Ordinationszentrum (Medical Center)
Tuesday 14:00–17:00 by appointment
By phone on +43 1 40180 7010 Book online
Practice in the city centre
Rosengasse 8/5, 1010 Vienna
Thursday 9:00–14:00 by appointment
By phone on +43 1 40180 7010 Book onlineAppointments & enquiries
Appointments for both practices:
+43 1 40180 7010
Surgery dates, prices and medical questions:
+43 680 330 11 45