Patient false hope claims as Teo hearing continues

The commission has so far heard from witnesses involved in two cases in which patients never recovered from surgery, despite believing the operation would give them extra time to live.

On Tuesday, the commission heard from a man who said Dr Teo didn't adequately explain the risks involved with operating to remove 60 per cent of his wife's brain tumour.

Despite being told there was a risk of partial paralysis and memory loss, the woman opted to undergo the surgery, because she was already bound to a wheelchair and terminally ill.

"He never once turned around and said to my wife 'you might not come out of this'," her husband told the commission.

Dr Teo is famous for performing neurosurgery on cancer patients with tumours other doctors have deemed "inoperable", but has been accused of charging exorbitant fees and offering some patients false hope.

On Monday, dozens of his supporters including former cricket captain Steve Waugh and boxer Anthony Mundine offered encouragement as Dr Teo arrived at the hearing.