Women: Addicted MD Botched Our Surgeries

(CBS)  Eight women who underwent breast cancer reconstructive surgery have filed a lawsuit against a hospital in Connecticut, claiming it knew one of its surgeons had a long history of drug abuse.

Greenwich Hospital says it "acted appropriately."

In 2006, Dr. Ian Rubins, reputed to be one of the top surgeons in his field, was caught injecting pain medications intended for his patients. In November 2007, he voluntarily turned in his medical license.

His drug problem became public this past January, when he died of an alleged drug overdose.

"I read it in the paper and I was revolted," one of the women told CBS News.

The hospital, in one of the wealthiest towns in the nation, refused a request by CBS News for an interview, but issued a statement saying, "We believe that the claim lacks merit and that the hospital acted appropriately."

Two of the eight women told their stories to Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez Monday.

One questioned whether the severe, long-lasting pain she suffered resulted from Rubins using medication himself that was meant for her.

Both speculated Rubins was on drugs during their surgery:

[rubins21]

wow...these women are truly repulsive. hope theyre satisfied that theyve accomplished absolutely nothing. typical greenwich women...trying to milk something for what its worth. boo hoo "i was in so much pain". news flash...regardless of the use of medication...serious surgeries cause pain, and they wouldnt have thought anything of that if they hadnt known about Dr. Rubins' drug history. maybe people should just chill the **** out and realize that theres a grieving family that just wants some peace. thanks.

[rubins21]

wow...these women are truly repulsive. hope theyre satisfied that theyve accomplished absolutely nothing. typical greenwich women...trying to milk something for what its worth. boo hoo "i was in so much pain". news flash...regardless of the use of medication...serious surgeries cause pain, and they wouldnt have thought anything of that if they hadnt known about Dr. Rubins' drug history. maybe people should just chill the **** out and realize that theres a grieving family that just wants some peace. thanks.

[my2cents08]

godofredo29 posted: Why do women still use male doctors when it comes to such sensitive issues?

I had to have a truly medically-necessary hysterectomy within 10 days of seeing a gynecologist. I wanted the surgery to be done by the best doctor in the area, who happened to be a man, and thank God, it went great. My two cents: For my doctor, I want whoever is the best in their field, man or woman.

[cyberus-2009]

Hmmmm .... zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol in truck drivers but the guy cutting into your body its ok. Sounds about as rational as the driving time limit of 10 hours for a trucker but interns at a hospital could be required to work 24+ hour shifts.

[godofredo29]

Why do women still use male doctors when it comes to such sensitive issues? For that matter, why would a guy use a female doctor for male reproductive issues?

[czmdm]

People who work in the medical feild make politicians, lawyers and stock brokers seem like wonderful people.

[rational_1]

His drug problem became public this past January, when he died of an alleged drug overdose.

Greenwich Hospital says it "acted appropriately."

Ha ha ha ha ha! I''m sure the jury is going to buy that. ''We had no idea anything was amiss until one day he just overdosed. We were as shocked as anyone''.

One word of advice to the hospital - settle.