After the first reports from the United States and India of accessing the peritoneal cavity via a transgastric route and performing operations without any abdominal incision, surgeons, as well as gastroenterologists worldwide, became interested in developing research projects in this topic. We evaluated the first papers and reports about the research and new techniques to focus on the possible advantages of NOTES (Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery). The literature was screened in the time period January 2000 to June 2007 for research and development in NOTES and several reports and abstracts from the year 2007 (January to June) were reviewed. Several research groups in the U.S. and Europe have published in this field of research and their advances and results are discussed. NOTES is a new era in surgery, but it will only partially replace laparoscopy as it will not be suitable for all patients and indications. To make NOTES suitable in daily surgical practice, it will take several years of research. NOTES research will boost the development of new endoscopes and instruments also helping to advance laparoscopic techniques.