Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines on the indication for tonsillectomy in the management of sore throat were published in January 1999. To determine adherence to these guidelines in our unit, clinical records were examined on admission for tonsillectomy. Three cohorts were analysed. The first listed prior to SIGN, the second after SIGN and the third after presentation of the results of cohorts 1 and 2. The records were examined for documentation of the number of attacks of tonsillitis in the preceding year. The first cohort revealed poor documentation of attacks of tonsillitis (30 per cent). Thesubsequent cohorts showed progressive improvement in record keeping (74 per cent and 96 per cent). The adherence to SIGN guidelines for those with adequate documentation also improved (75 per cent, 80 per cent, 93.5 per cent). The importance of adequate record keeping to enable audit of practice and the impact of national guidelines on practice are discussed.