Edlira Baruti Papa

Dr. Edlira Baruti Papa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
3 September 2022 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OTOlja Tanellari Tanellari
Olja Tanellari Tanellari
CTCeljana Toti
Celjana Toti
Edlira Baruti PapaEdlira Baruti Papa
Edlira Baruti Papa
SGSara Ghanim
Sara Ghanim
CSCarmen Savin
Carmen Savin
Irina nicoleta ZetuIrina nicoleta Zetu
Irina nicoleta Zetu
Background and Objectives: To determine whether there are changes in the cephalometric characteristics of the upper airways and hyoid bone, in patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) compared to a healthy control group. Material and Methods: This retrospective case–control study included 24 patients diagnosed with OSAS (apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 5 obtained after polysomnography) and 24 healthy subjects as a control group that completed the STOP-Bang questionnaire to determine whether they had OSAS. Lateral cephalometric examinations were recommended for all these patients. The software used for the cephalogram interpretation was CS 3D Imaging and CS Airway imaging from Carestream Dental. Results: The subjects with OSAS had a smaller superior posterior airway space (SPAS), with an average of 10.32 mm compared to a 12.20 mm mean in the control group (p = 0.03). Patients with OSAS, had a lowered middle airway space (MAS) with a mean of 7.96 mm in the OSAS group and a 10.96 mm mean in the control group (p = 0.00). All the measurements made for the hyoid bone, such as—H-MnP, H-C3, and H-B—showed increased values (means of 26.31 mm, 39.08 mm, 60.05 mm, respectively), for the OSAS group (p = 0.00). Conclusions: Patients suffering from OSAS had reduced dimensions of the SPAS and MAS values. The hyoid bone had a more inferior position in the study group (with increased values for H-MnP, H-C3, and H-B) compared to the control group.

8 July 2025 in Medicina
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OTOlja Tanellari Tanellari
Olja Tanellari Tanellari
BKBrunilda Koci
Brunilda Koci
Edlira Baruti PapaEdlira Baruti Papa
Edlira Baruti Papa
CBCarina Balcoş
Carina Balcoş
AAAdina Oana Armencia
Adina Oana Armencia
Irina nicoleta ZetuIrina nicoleta Zetu
Irina nicoleta Zetu
Background and Objectives: Sleep apnea (OSA) significantly impacts patients’ health, affecting cognitive, emotional, and social functioning, thus reducing overall quality of life (QoL). Despite global research interest, there are limited data on the QoL of Romanian patients with OSA. Aim of study: This study aimed to assess the quality of life of patients diagnosed with OSA using the Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI), a validated, disease-specific questionnaire. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2021 and February 2022 on 28 adult patients from medical units in Iași (Romania) and Albania. The patients were clinically evaluated and confirmed to have OSA (AHI > 5). QoL was assessed pre-treatment using the SAQLI, covering daily activities, social interactions, emotional status, and symptomatology. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v26.0. Results: Most patients had moderate (32.1%) or severe OSA (53.6%). Lower QoL scores correlated with increased disease severity. Significant impairments were observed in daily functioning, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Patients with severe OSA reported the lowest scores across all domains. Conclusions: OSA severely affects quality of life, particularly in patients with moderate to severe forms. Early diagnosis and personalized, multidisciplinary management strategies are essential to improving outcomes and overall patient well-being.

20 November 2025 in Surgeries
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAlice Marzi Manfroni
Alice Marzi Manfroni
VCValerio Cancilla
Valerio Cancilla
Edlira Baruti PapaEdlira Baruti Papa
Edlira Baruti Papa
MSMarjon Sako
Marjon Sako
FLFrancesco Laganà
Francesco Laganà
Background: Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare, benign, but locally aggressive tumor of odontogenic mesenchymal origin. This study aims to expand current knowledge by integrating a concise literature review with a detailed case report of a surgically complex pediatric OM, treated using a biologically advantageous reconstructive technique. Methods: In this study, we report the case of an eight-year-old girl presenting with a large OM that caused complete disruption of the architecture of the left hemimandible. Due to the tumor’s size and bone involvement, radical resection was necessary. A modified extraoral facelift approach was employed to ensure adequate surgical access while avoiding intraoral incisions and minimizing visible scarring. Immediate mandibular reconstruction was performed using an autologous costochondral graft. Discussion: Although infrequently used in modern surgical practice, the costochondral graft offers unique advantages in pediatric patients due to its inherent growth potential and capacity for long-term biological integration. In this case, the graft allowed restoration of mandibular continuity and form with minimal donor site morbidity, demonstrating its viability even today. Conclusions: This case underlines the importance of tailored reconstructive strategies in pediatric OM. The costochondral graft provided excellent functional and esthetic results, with four-year follow-up confirming stable anatomical remodeling and bone regeneration.

19 November 2025 in Surgical Techniques Development
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FLFrancesco Laganà
Francesco Laganà
BBBruno Carlo Brevi
Bruno Carlo Brevi
AMAlice Marzi Manfroni
Alice Marzi Manfroni
FAFrancesco Arcuri
Francesco Arcuri
ASAlessia Spinzia
Alessia Spinzia
BBBernardo Bianchi
Bernardo Bianchi
Introduction: Hemifacial hypoplasia is the second most common congenital craniofacial anomaly after cleft lip and palate. Mandibular ramus deficiency represents a key component of this condition, and vertical augmentation is traditionally managed with distraction osteogenesis. However, technical challenges related to device positioning and vector control continue to limit its reproducibility. This study aims to describe and compare three surgical techniques for mandibular ramus augmentation in hemifacial microsomia and to develop a surgical treatment algorithm based on individual anatomical characteristics and clinical complexity. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2022, eighteen patients with Pruzansky–Kaban grade I–IIb hypoplasia underwent staged orthodontic–surgical treatment at our institutions. The standard protocol included initial ramus vertical augmentation followed by bimaxillary osteotomy for asymmetry correction. The patients were equally divided into three groups of six patients each, based on the surgical technique employed. Three representative cases were selected to illustrate the evolution of our approach: (1) bidirectional distraction following a full-thickness osteotomy above the lingula; (2) unidirectional distraction applied to a sagittal ramus osteotomy according to Obwegeser; and (3) direct vertical augmentation with rigid fixation after sagittal osteotomy, supported by virtual surgical planning. Results: Vertical ramus augmentation of 15–25 mm was achieved in all cases. The first technique proved effective but technically demanding. The second approach improved vector control and device stability. The third, involving direct vertical augmentation with rigid fixation, simplified the procedure, reduced costs, and maintained bony contact for stable healing. Conclusions: Sagittal ramus osteotomy with direct stabilization represents a promising alternative to traditional distraction in selected patients, combining historical surgical principles with computer-assisted planning to achieve reproducible outcomes.