For what length of time do they generally leave the catheter in as analgesia?

Epidural catheters: Epidural catheters are probably the most common type of catheters to be used for post operative or post delivery analgesia. They are generally used for 1 to 3 days and gradually replaced with oral medications. Peripheral nerve catheters are increasingly popular as well, as are plastic tubes threaded into joints for postop analgesia using an anesthetic reservoir and/or pump.

Thanks for asking!: If you mean an epidural catheter, it could be left for 5-7 days or more if used for chronic pain treatment.

See below: An epidural catheter for post-operative analgesia (pain control) usually remains in place for 3-5 days. Longer than this increases risk of infection. An epidural catheter for labor analgesia or C-section is usually removed shortly after delivery.