How long can you live with necrotic bowel?

It depends on the extent of the necrosis and the individual's overall health. Necrotic bowel tissue can quickly lead to sepsis and death if not treated promptly. Even with treatment, the mortality rate for necrotic bowel is high. In general, a person can only live for a few days to a few weeks with untreated necrotic bowel. Surgery to remove the dead tissue is usually necessary to prevent sepsis and death.