The records of 84 patients with peritonsillitis were reviewed. Only 19% (16) of the patients had a history of two or more notable episodes of pharyngitis. Six patients underwent an immediate tonsillectomy. The remainder of the patients was treated initially with drainage and parenteral antibiotics. Twenty-one patients underwent an interval tonsillectomy, and 57 patients had no further therapy. Of those patients who received no further therapy, 72% (41) of the patients had either one or no subsequent episodes of sore throat symptoms. Only one patient had recurrent peritonsillitis. Peritonsillitis may not necessarily be an indication for an interval tonsillectomy, and it can reasonably be managed by drainage and antibiotic therapy.