Maria Grazia La Pietra

About

Maria Grazia La Pietra is a pioneering surgeon whose work has fundamentally reshaped the surgical management of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Her primary research focus lies at the intersection of otolaryngology and advanced robotics, specifically in developing minimally invasive techniques for treating sleep-disordered breathing. Her landmark 2010 study, cited over 200 times, was among the first to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for tongue base resection in OSAHS patients, establishing a new paradigm for treating cases linked to tongue base hypertrophy. Building on this, her 2011 work provided crucial anatomic considerations by mapping the tongue base from a robotic perspective through cadaveric dissections, offering a foundational guide for surgeons worldwide. With over 150 citations, this research not only validated the clinical approach but also enhanced surgical safety and precision. Dr. La Pietra’s contributions have been instrumental in transforming OSAHS treatment, offering patients a less invasive alternative with improved outcomes, and she is widely recognized as a leader in robotic head and neck surgery.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Transoral Robotic Tongue Base Resection in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea-Hypopnoea Syndrome: A Preliminary Report

   204 citations · 2010
2. 2
   Transoral robotic surgery of the tongue base in obstructive sleep Apnea‐Hypopnea syndrome: Anatomic considerations and clinical experience

   152 citations · 2011

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links