AIM: To compare the efficacy and complication of extra-trabeculotomy in combination with trabeculectomy and trabeculectomy and compound trabeculectomy in the treatment of primary infantile glaucoma.

METHODS: Patients with primary infantile glaucoma undergone one of the three procedures from Jan 2006 to Jan 2014 were selected. Among them, group A(20 patients, 31 eyes)underwent extra-trabeculotomy in combination with trabeculectomy, group B(20 patients, 32 eyes)underwent trabeculectomy, while group C(20 patients, 30 eyes)underwent compound trabeculectomy

RESULTS: The success rates in group A were 96.8% at the time of discharge and 90.3% during follow-up(mean 24mo); the rates in group B were 96.9% and 81.2%(mean 24mo)the rates in group C were 83.3% and 76.7%(mean 24mo)respectively, the differences being significant(P <0.05). In group A and group B, there was no severe complications, while in group C, one case had vitreous prolapse.

CONCLUSION: Extra-trabeculotomy in combination with trabeculectomy is more efficacious and safer than trabeculectomy and compound trabeculectomy in the treatment of primary infantile glaucoma. It should be the first choice for primary infantile glaucoma.