The general purpose of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of HES (130/0.4) with that of 4% gelatine when these solutions were used in large doses >20 ml/Kg/day. According to a prospective, random sequence, 40 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery received either HES 130/0.4 (n 20) or gelatin (n 20) until the first postoperative day (POD) to keep central venous pressure between 8-12cm H2o and, standard coagulation variables were measured, Platelet aggregation was induced by adenosine diphosphate and renal function were also measured. The study conclude that administration of a new HES 130/0.4 preparation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery was not associated with negative effects on haemostasis when compared to patients received gelatin. And there was no difference between the two colloid solutions as regarding renal functions. Thus, this HES solution appears to be a safe alternative plasma substitute for intravascular volume replacement in the abdominal surgical patient.