Objective To explore the application of quality control circle in reducing the same-day cancellation rate of day surgery. Methods A quality control circle team was set up, and determined the theme of reducing the same-day cancellation rate of day surgery. A survey was conducted among all patients who had made appointments for day surgeries at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Military Medical University between August and October 2023. The number of patients who cancelled their surgeries on the day and the reasons for their cancellations were recorded. Based on the ten steps of the quality control circle, relevant measures and improvement processes were formulated. In March 2024, the same-day cancellation rate of day surgery after the quality control circle activity was analyzed. Results The same-day cancellation rate decreased from 2.39% to 0.67%, the target achievement rate was 135.43%, and the progress rate was 71.97%. Conclusion The quality control circle activity can effectively reduce the same-day cancellation rate of day surgery.