The aim of this literature review is to examine the relationship between the provision of written information given to patients' preoperatively and their postoperative recovery following elective surgery. It is not currently apparent which is the most effective method of delivering preoperative information, or at what stage of the preoperative phase is the optimum time to deliver such important information. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline the affiliation between anxiety experienced by surgical patients and the information received preoperatively and to examine the relationship between the provision of written information given to patients preoperatively and their postoperative recovery following elective surgery. Research findings are contradictory with respect to the effect of preoperative information on postoperative pain and patient satisfaction. However, research does indicate that the provision of good-quality preoperative information facilitates patients' active involvement in their care, and therefore may contribute to an overall increase in satisfaction. There remains a need for rigorous research that identifies the optimum timing and method of delivering preoperative information to maximize their positive effects on patients undergoing elective surgery.