Background The optimal colloid for use during kidney transplantation is not clear. Patients undergoing living-related kidney transplantation (LRKT) were used to compare the protective effects of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES 130/0.4) and 4% succinylated gelatine, as donor kidney procurement, ischemia time and surgical conditions are comparable. Stroke volume variation (SVV) was used to monitor intravascular volume to avoid renal allograft hypoperfusion.Methods Eighty patients undergoing LRKT were divided into two groups: group H received 6% HES 130/0.4 and group G received 4% succinylated gelatine. All donors and recipients received 15-25 ml/kg of the relevant colloid during surgery. Arterial blood pressure (ABP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), SVV and cardiac index (CI),electrocardiography (ECG) and SpO2 were monitored continuously. SVV was kept between 6%-13% and mean arterial pressure at 100-130 mmHg. Samples of venous blood and urine were obtained 30 minutes after unclamping and on the mings of post-operative days (POD) 1-4 to measure serum and urine β2-microglobulin, urine α1-microglobulin,microalbumin and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine were determined pre-operation (to), 3 hours after surgery (t1) and on PODs 1 (t2), 2 (t3), 4 (t4), 7 (t5) and 10 (t6). Urine output was recorded at t1, t2, t5, t6.Results Age, body weight, body surface area (BSA), operation time, urine output and the colloid volume infused were comparable between the groups and hemodynamics were stable during surgery. BUN, serum creatine, serum β2-microglobulin and urine β2-microglobulin decreased significantly after surgery in both groups relative to the baseline.BUN decreased significantly in group H compared with group G at t1, t2 and t4. Urine microalbumin decreased significantly in group H on POD 4 compared with group G. Urine α1-microglobulin was not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion Both colloids can be safely used for LRKT, but HES130/0.4 was associated with a more rapid recovery of renal function.