[Perioperative approach to restless legs syndrome]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common neurological disorders. The key feature is the urge to move, especially in the legs. New onset RLS can develop perioperatively or an existing RLS can be exacerbated. Severe insomnia, forced immobilization and acute iron deficiency are common trigger factors. Medicinal treatment can also be an important triggering or exacerbating factor. Drugs with dopamine antagonistic, serotonergic and opioid antagonistic effects should be avoided. The long-term medicinal treatment should be terminated as quickly as possible and if necessary bridged non-orally. For diseases which can be associated with secondary RLS a provocation or an exacerbation of RLS should be taken into consideration. This is particularly true for Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus, terminal renal insufficiency, spinal cord lesions and pregnancy. So far, there is not sufficient evidence that any form of anesthesia has a negative influence on RLS.