What happens if you ignore a bowel obstruction?

Serious: A true bowel obstruction is most commonly from adhesions or scar from past surgery. A true bowel obstruction results in increasing abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, lack of bowel movement, dehydration. The bowel is at risk for ischemia or internal rupture. It can result in serious sepsis and death if untreated. Note: constipation alone is not a true bowel obstruction.