Ureteric valves are a rare cause of upper urinary tract obstruction. The authors report 3 cases of ureteric valves: one discovered incidentally during assessment of abdominal trauma and two cases detected by antenatal ultrasound. The diagnosis of ureteric valves was suggested by urography in two cases and was confirmed by immediate preoperative retrograde ureteropyelography in all three cases. The three patients were treated by ureteric resection-anastomosis with a favourable outcome in each case. Based on a review of the literature, the authors discuss the diagnostic modalities and management of ureteric valves. They also discuss the embryological hypotheses concerning the formation of ureteric valves.