A hand-operated electronic unit with a configuration of analogue or digital push-buttons (alphanumeric, colour-, or symbol-coded) designed to control the functions of an irrigation/lavage system (e.g., arthroscopic irrigation/distention system, colonic lavage system) from a distance via a connected cable or wirelessly [e.g., radio-frequency (RF), infrared (IR) transmission]. It is intended to be operated by the healthcare provider.