The amputation of the prolapsed rectum of 102 pigs of a fattening unit was carried out by means of a 5-10 cm piece of a plastic hose inside and a ligation around the prolapse. The pressure necrosis due to the ligation leads to the amputation of the prolapse. The positive effect of this method on the performance of the pigs was demonstrated by comparing the 102 treated pigs with a group of pigs that were not treated and with the non-diseased control group. Additionally the influence of diarrhoea and coughing on the frequency of rectal prolapses was investigated.