title: Flatus retention is the major factor in diverticular disease.
abstract: Retention of flatus is the main factor in the origin and progression of sigmoid diverticular disease. This hypothesis explains why the disease is confined to modern urban communities, and why the patient must avoid "windy" foods.
mesh_terms: D012809:Colon, Sigmoid / Q000502:physiology; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005414:Flatulence / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D014505:Urban Population