Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Income Taxes	5. Income Taxes The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 27% compared to approximately 29% for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 28% compared to approximately 42% for the same period in 2011. The higher effective tax rate for the prior nine month period reflected the discrete tax effect of a charge for legal settlements, primarily related to Hernia Product Claims (see Note 8 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements), which were incurred in a low tax jurisdiction. At September 30, 2012, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was $41.0 million (of which $34.7 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized) plus $5.7 million of accrued interest. At December 31, 2011, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $45.0 million plus $5.0 million of accrued interest. Depending upon the result of open tax examinations and/or the expiration of applicable statutes of limitation, the company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $2.5 million within the next 12 months.

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

5. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 27% compared to approximately 29% for the same period in 2011. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was approximately 28% compared to approximately 42% for the same period in 2011. The higher effective tax rate for the prior nine month period reflected the discrete tax effect of a charge for legal settlements, primarily related to Hernia Product Claims (see Note 8 of the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements), which were incurred in a low tax jurisdiction. At September 30, 2012, the total amount of liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was $41.0 million (of which $34.7 million would impact the effective tax rate, if recognized) plus $5.7 million of accrued interest. At December 31, 2011, the liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $45.0 million plus $5.0 million of accrued interest. Depending upon the result of open tax examinations and/or the expiration of applicable statutes of limitation, the company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by up to $2.5 million within the next 12 months.