Across multiple surgical specialties, irrigation with various types of fluids is used to facilitate open procedures. There is increasing evidence that fluid management has an impact on patient outcomes, therefore, effective management of fluid irrigation media is a key component of safe perioperative care for patients undergoing surgery. This continuing education activity will review the significance of irrigation fluid management, including the clinical care implications related to the use of irrigation fluid throughout the patient’s perioperative journey. The clinical team members’ roles related to irrigation fluid management will be outlined and the complications associated with the use of irrigation during a procedure will be reviewed. Various methods and automated systems available today to effectively manage irrigation fluids and promote patient safety will be discussed.