BACKGROUNDSurgical interventions are the main treatment for primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between viscocanalostomy and mitomycin C (MMC)-trabeculectomy in patients with PCG.

METHODSA total number of 43 patients with PCG who underwent either viscocanalostomy (group 1) or MMC- trabeculectomy (group 2) between June 2003 and June 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' intraocular pressures (IOPs) were examined before surgery and on day 1, week 1, month 1, month 6, and month 12 post-operative. Mean horizontal corneal diameters, success rates, intra- and post-operative complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSPre-operative IOPs were (31.96 ± 3.90) mmHg in group 1 and (32.56 ± 4.00) mmHg in group 2. At the last visit, IOPs were (16.78 ± 2.20) mmHg and (15.77 ± 2.60) mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001); the complete success rates of group 1 and group 2 were 45.9% and 67.4%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.158). There were no major complications occurred in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSBoth viscocanalostomy and trabeculectomy can lower IOP in PCG patients effectively. Although there was no major complications occurred in both groups, viscocanlostomy may decrease the probability of postoperative haemorrhage, hypotony, cataract, or choroid effusion.