Background To investigate the safety and efficacy of scleral concave pool trabeculectomy (SCPT) combined phacoemulsification for eyes with coexisting cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods This was a retrospective, controlled, interventional pilot case series. Thirty patients (30 eyes) were diagnosed with coexisting cataract and POAG between May 2015 and April 2018. Fourteen eyes underwent SCPT combined phacoemulsification were set as the study group, and 16 eyes received conventional phacotrabeculectomy were set as the control group. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. The preoperative to postoperative changes in IOP, glaucoma medication requirements, BCVA, blebs functions, and adverse events were recorded. Results The groups were matched for baseline age, BCVA, IOP and types of IOP-lowering medications (allP > 0.05). At 6-month visit, there were no significant difference between control and study group in the improvement of BCVA (0.22 +/- 0.24 versus 0.18 +/- 0.26,P = 0.718), reduction of IOP (- 11.21 +/- 8.61 mmHg versus - 9.19 +/- 9.18 mmHg,P = 0.540) and the number of eyes that needed IOP-lowering medications (2 versus 3,P = 0.743). At the last visit, the rate of forming functioning blebs was significantly different between the study and control groups, (92.9% versus 68.7% respectively,P = 0.007). In the study group, 5 eyes developed hypotony, and 1 eye showed limited choroidal detachment, whereas in the control group 1 eye developed malignant glaucoma. All adverse events were successfully managed. Conclusion The SCPT combined phacoemulsification seems to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional phacotrabeculectomy for patients with POAG and visually significant cataract in the short-term.