A controlled operation device for discharge valves, particularly for water storage cisterns in sanitary and similar facilities, comprising a supporting body (2) made integral with a hollow cylinder (3), within which is inserted a slidable rod (4) having a spring (13) located coaxially with it and having its upper end (4c) integral with a push button (5), the body (2) being attachable by means of a threaded collar (3a) to the lid (15) of the cistern and comprising a housing within which are located means which rotate in the transverse direction, these rotating means having located on them means of longitudinally guiding elements transmitting the motion of the rod (4) to means of operating the shut-off valve for the starting and stopping of the discharge, the whole operation of control and transmission of motion being carried out in an axial direction between the actuating push button and the centre of rotation of the said rotating means and of the said operating means, the alternating rotation of the rotating means being produced by the uplift pressure, for opening, and entrainment pressure, for closing, exerted by the water on the shut-off valve.