24.6 Confidentiality Participation in research investigations may result in a loss of confidentiality. However, all data from preoperative and postoperative evaluations will be coded to protect the patient’s ident ity. The coding and the results of these studies will be available only to the individuals involved with the study, the clinical staff administering the study, representatives of the National Institutes of Health, and representatives of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.