Introduction
Bilateral thumb comparison on day 52 after fingertip amputation. The right thumb was injured, yet shows minimal difference compared to the uninjured side using Natsui-style moist wound healing.
This is a case of thumb amputation in which the patient
was told at a university hospital:
“It will never return to normal.”
“The finger will definitely become shorter.”
“You will need flap surgery.”
However, in reality, the thumb regenerated beautifully
without any surgery and without any antibiotics,
using Natsui-style moist wound healing alone.
This case is highly instructive—not only for the patient,
but also as a reminder to re-examine
what we consider “standard” medical practice.
Injury Details
Fingertip amputation caused by an electric saw, with loss of the nail and skin. This condition is generally considered an indication for flap surgery or stump revision.
Male in his 60s
Traumatic injury caused by an electric saw
Near-amputation of the right thumb
He was transported by ambulance to ○○ University Hospital
What the University Hospital Explained
and How They Treated Him
According to the patient, the university hospital explained:
“The finger will not regenerate.”
“It will definitely become shorter.”
“Disinfection, ointment, and gauze dressings are necessary.”
“Flap surgery will be needed in the future.”
The patient was devastated by the statement:
“My finger will never return to what it was.”
Why He Came to Our Clinic
In despair, he searched desperately for information online
and eventually found our blog.
Later he told us:
“I was clinging to hope—like grabbing at a straw.”
Our Assessment at the First Visit
Day 0 Frontal View
On examination, we determined:
There were no signs of infection
The tissue still had sufficient regenerative potential
So I told him clearly:
Surgery is not necessary.
Do not undergo flap surgery.
With Natsui-style moist wound healing, the finger can regenerate cleanly.
What We Explained About
Natsui-Style Moist Wound Healing
Do not disinfect
Do not let the wound dry out
Cover the wound appropriately with a wound dressing
to maintain a moist environmentBecause there were no signs of infection,
we prescribed no antibiotics
Course and Outcome
Below, the regeneration process is shown chronologically
—from the first visit to day 63—
using images from each direction:
Dorsal (back of the thumb)
Volar
Lateral views
Frontal view
Dorsal View
Day 0
Day 9
Day 23
Day 37
Day 52
Day 63
Volar View
Day 0
Day 9
Day 23
Day 37
Day 52
Day 63
Left Lateral View
Day 0
Day 9
Day 23
Day 37
Day 52
Day 63
Right Lateral View
Day 0
Day 9
Day 23
Day 37
Day 52
Day 63
Frontal View
Day 0
Day 9
Day 23
Day 37
Day 52
Day 63
Summary of the Result
The wound gradually epithelialized, and the fingertip contour
and nail line were naturally reconstructed.
As a result, the finger regenerated without becoming shorter.
Day 0 Dorsal View
Day 63 Dorsal View
The Patient’s Words at the Final Visit
At the last visit, the patient said:
“I’m truly glad my finger returned to normal.
I had been reading your blog, so I was able to come here.
Thank you very much.”
As a physician, there are few words more gratifying.
What This Case Teaches
“Amputation” does not always mean “no regeneration.”
Flap surgery should be considered a last resort,
not an automatic choice.With correct knowledge, a patient’s future can change.
If this article becomes “hope” or a “new option” for someone suffering
in a similar situation, nothing would make me happier.
FAQ: Natsui-Style Moist Wound Healing
Q1. What is Natsui-style moist wound healing?
A. Moist wound healing is a method that supports
the body’s natural healing by keeping the wound moist rather than dry.
By avoiding disinfectants and gauze
and maintaining an appropriate moist environment
with dressings, pain is often reduced and scars
may heal more cleanly.
Our clinic treats wounds based on
Natsui-style moist wound healing.
Q2. Why don’t you disinfect the wound?
A. Disinfectants can kill not only bacteria
but also the cells needed for healing,
which can delay recovery and make scarring worse.
In Natsui-style moist wound healing,
we avoid disinfection and support
the skin’s natural regenerative ability.
Q3. What kind of dressing is used?
A. We use medical dressings such as hydrocolloid or polyurethane film sheets/pads to maintain a moist environment. Depending on the wound, petroleum jelly may be used as well. Bathing and showering at home are generally possible.
Q4. Is it painful?
A. Natsui-style moist wound healing avoids the pain
of “tearing off gauze.”
Because healing can be faster,
pain often decreases and painkillers may not be necessary.
It is also gentle for children and older adults.
Q5. Will the scar look good?
A. Results vary depending on depth and location,
but compared with dry wound care, moist wound healing often
results in less noticeable scarring.
It is particularly suitable for visible areas such as the face.
Q6. Do I need to visit the clinic every day?
A. Usually not.
We explain simple home-care methods so self-care is possible.
However, depending on the wound,
visits every few days may be required.
Q7. Is infection a concern?
A. If the moist environment is maintained appropriately,
the infection risk may actually be lower. However,
if increasing pain, swelling, heat, redness, or fever occurs,
please seek medical care promptly.
Q8. Is it suitable for children?
A. Yes. Because there is less pain and no need to forcibly
remove gauze, treatment stress is reduced.
We have treated many pediatric wound cases with this method.
Q9. Are there only a few hospitals that offer Natsui-style moist wound healing?
A. Yes. Medical facilities actively using this approach are still limited.
At our clinic, based on extensive clinical experience,
we treat all wounds using moist wound healing as the standard approach.
▶ View our Natsui-style moist wound healing case archive
Author Information
Hirotaka Kohrita, MD
Director, Kohrita-Hiro Orthopedic & Plastic Surgery Clinic (Shin-Osaka, Japan)
Specialties: Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery,
Burns, Epidermoid cyst surgery
Experience: Over 6,000 cyst surgeries (approx. 500/year).
Over 1,000 case reports on our blog featuring punch excision
and Natsui-style moist wound healing.
All cases are evaluated, treated, and followed by the director personally.
