Objective To explore the effects of quality control circle in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) on postoperative recovery. Methods Patients with renal calculi receiving PCNL in our hospital from February 2017 to February 2018 were divided into observation group (n=60) and control group (n=60) according to the random number table method. Control group was given routine clinical pathway for nursing intervention, and observation group was given quality control circle activity for nursing. The postoperative basic conditions, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and incidence rate of complications were compared between the two groups. Results The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative renal fistula indwelling time, hospital stay and postoperative recovery time in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The VAS scores in the two groups at different time points after operation were significantly decreased compared with those before operation, and the score in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The incidence rate of postoperative complications group was also significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Nursing method of quality control circle activity for PCNL patients can reduce postoperative pain, reduce complications and facilitate postoperative recovery.