Eight patients are suing Greenwich Hospital in tony Greenwich, Conn., accusing officials there of allowing a drug-addicted doctor to perform surgeries.
Dr. Ian Rubins, a plastic surgeon who specialized in reconstructive surgery for breast-cancer patients, was found dead in January of a heroin overdose.
Patients' lawyers are seeking class action status for the lawsuit, which claims hospital officials were aware that Rubins had a drug problem since 1997.
Former patient and breast cancer survivor Robin Lyons said her surgery was done so poorly that her breast swelled up to her collar bone, the Stamford Advocate reported Thursday.
Lyons, 54, said she had to undergo another mastectomy and three additional surgeries to correct the damage.
A message was left seeking comment from the hospital.
The lawsuit says that Rubin showed up for an operation visibly under the influence in April 2006. He surrendered his medical license last November amid allegations he injected himself with a pain killer meant for a patient. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
Click here for more on this story from the Stamford Advocate.
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