Neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has admitted making an error during surgery by going “too far” and leaving a patient in a vegetative state but maintains she had been fully informed of the risks beforehand.

The high-profile doctor is appearing at a medical disciplinary hearing to explain how two women he operated on ended up with catastrophic brain injuries.

Dr Teo also defended allegations he acted inappropriately by slapping a patient in an attempt to rouse her in the wake of surgery, contrasting it with Will Smith’s notorious slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars.

“I admit I slapped her like this (demonstrated multiple small slaps to the face) as opposed to the Will Smith type slap,” Dr Teo told the hearing on Monday.