Background. One of the most important elements of a properly performed arthroscopy, apart from the surgeon's experience is an appropriate type of anesthesia chosen by the anesthesiologist. The type of anesthesia depends on many factors, for example the patient's general condition, the type and extent of the knee injury, the planned extension and time of the operation (diagnostic arthroscopy, operative arthroscopy), the place of the performed operation (hospital, ambulatory conditions) and last but not least the anesthesiologist's experience and the equipment of the operation theatre.<br /> Material and methods. The types of anesthesia in arthroscopies of the knee performed in the years 1986-2001 were analyzed.<br /> Results and Conclusions. In the hospital in Piekary Slaskie based on surgeons' and the anesthesiologists' experiences and local conditions (hospitalization 1-3 days, about 10-12 arthroscopies performed during one day), general anesthesia is preferred. It is performed in 92% of all arthroscopies. In 8%, mainly in patients with cardiological diseases the conduction anesthesia is performed. The local anesthesia was not performed for the last ten years.