The aim of this study was to determine whether children undergo spontaneous resolution of recurrent acute tonsillitis whilst awaiting surgery. Eighty children who had been on the waiting list for tonsillectomy for at least 9 months were requested to attend a review clinic with a second review 6 months later if appropriate. Nineteen (27%) of the 70 children who completed the study no longer warranted surgery and were removed from the waiting list. We conclude that those children who have been on the waiting list for a long period of time should be reassessed prior to the planned tonsillectomy to see if surgery is still indicated.